untitled design

EEC: The pandemic cost 196 million euros at the Attica kiosks in 2020

The turnover of small retail companies in the Attica region showed an impressive decrease in 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the “bleeding” of the industry continuing this year, although at a much slower pace.

This emerges from a study conducted by the Athens Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with ICAP on the financial damage caused by the pandemic to small retail businesses.

In particular, as the study shows:

  • The turnover of Small Retail Enterprises (Kiosks) in the Attica region (excluding Piraeus, West Attica and Lavrio) in 2020 showed a decrease of -196.2 million euros, while the 2021 a smaller reduction in their turnover by -70.0 million euros.

  • The percentage change in sales in 2020 compared to 2019 amounted to -13,8%, while for 2021 a smaller reduction by -5,7% compared to 2020.

Estimation of turnover (in thousand euros) and annual change of Small Retail Companies (Kiosks) 2019-2021

Total sales 2019

Total sales 2020

Total sales 2021

Sales change 2020/2019

Sales change 2021/2020

1.421.833

1.225.620

1.155.613

-13,8%

-5,7%

Source: ICAP DATABANK, Business Research

  • The number of companies that manage kiosks and are registered in the register of the Athens Chamber of Commerce is 1.384, while it is estimated that in the area of ​​interest of the EEC which is the region of Attica (except Piraeus, West Attica and Lavrio) are active 2.200 kiosks.

Evolution of the number of service stores and kiosks in the whole of Greece 2010-2020

The evolution of the number of service shops and kiosks over the last decade throughout the country has been steadily declining. The kiosks were reduced between 2010 and 2020 by -50%, while the other service shops against -24%.

Source: NielsenIQ, Convenience Retailing Conference, Athens, November 2, 2021

  • According to business research, employment in small retail enterprises (kiosks) decreased in 2020 by -7,7%, while in 2021 an increase of by 1,0%.

  1. Recent developments in Small Retail stores.

According to recent research findings presented at the Convenience Retailing Conference after the lockdown, 75% of consumers visited the kiosks and other service stores compared to 87% of the super markets with an average frequency of 6.5 visits per month to the kiosks compared to 6 , 3 in the mini markets, 5.1 in the convenience stores and a much higher frequency of 10.2 in the super markets ..

Channels of buying essential goods after the lockdown

Source:The Consumer in Small Retail, IRI Greece, Convenience Retailing Conference, Athens, November 2, 2021

Based on recent research 69,3% of sales value (12-month rolling stock) of selected product categories (chips, snacks, coffee, water, rusks, nuts, candies, chocolates, ice creams, chewing gums, juices, breadsticks, beers, cookies, condoms, candies, ready-made candies) cereal bars, milk, tissues, soft drinks, baked snacks, batteries, desserts, instant drinks) takes place in modern markets (super markets) against 30,7% in traditional shops and from this 10,2% concerns kiosks while the 20,5% the other service shops. It is consumed in the kiosks 15% of confectionery, the 13,4% of beverages and the 8,2% of savory snacks, while in the other service shops the respective consumption shares are 22,3%, 24,7% and 18,2%.

Composition of retail sales value of selected product categories per channel

Contribution of traditional trade to the sales value of certain product categories

Source: NielsenIQ, Convenience Retailing Conference, Athens 2 November 2021

  1. Presentation of the results of primary research in companies in the Small Retail sector (Kiosks).
  • In 2020, 52.9% of the Small Retail enterprises (Kiosks) were in operation without joining a support framework, while 34.6% were affected without suspension of operation with integration in a support framework.

  • 56.1% of Small Retail Businesses (Kiosks) did not join a financial support measure

Operating status in 2020

Inclusion in financial support and reinforcement measures

Source: ICAP-business research

  • Tax and labor measures are the most important categories of support measures with a share (35.0%) each, followed by loan measures with 28.1%.

  • 47.4% of Small Retail Companies (Kiosks) stated that the support measures were insufficient, while 27.3% consider that measures are sufficient but to a small extent.

Categories of support / reinforcement measures that companies have joined

Adequacy of financial support and aid measures already announced and / or announced to date

Source: ICAP-business research

  1. Key problems and concerns of companies in the Small Retail (Kiosks) sector.

The main problems and concerns of businesses on the market and consumers recorded in the survey of Small Business (Kiosks) are:

  • The limited recovery of consumer traffic and the reduction of the customer base

  • The reduction of financial liquidity in the market and the reduction of consumption

  • Accuracy leads customers only to super markets and e-shops

  • Consumer financial insecurity.

  • The limited attendance due to measures.

  • Low consumer incomes

  • Measures for the unvaccinated

  • Citizens’ fear of a pandemic resulting in reduced traffic

  • The fear of a new quarantine

  • The psychology of the citizens and the uncertainty regarding the coronavirus

  • The reduction of the purchasing power of the customers due to the consequences of the economic situation of the country and the measures of covid-19 (closure of companies, reduction of employment)

The problems and concerns about business are:

  • Taxation hinders business

  • Failure to pay and fear of padlock

  • Product price increases

  • Inability to increase the square footage of the business because municipal fees are high

  • Lack of liquidity

  • The general situation does not help for predictions. Brave financing and extension of loan obligations are required.

  • The reduction of the production line in the factories of Europe from where the supplies of the goods are made

  • The difficulty of lending

  • The policy of the Municipalities is destructive for the kiosks

  • The financial difficulties in covering expenses.

  • Fear of possible new lockdown

  • Uncertainty

  • The financial tightness

  • As long as there is not consistently high traffic, turnover will fall but liabilities remain – to suppliers – which lag behind.

  • Very low turnover

  • Import costs

  • Smooth continuity depends on the suppliers and the terms they set.

  • Fixed costs and installments

  • Payment only in cash for orders from abroad

  1. Proposals of the entrepreneurs of the Small Retail (Kiosks) sector for new measures.

From the research in Small Businesses (Kiosks) were recorded various desirable measures of business support which are listed below.

Proposals of Small Retail Entrepreneurs (Kiosks) for desirable new measures

Source: ICAP – business research

Financial support from the state for tax liabilities, financial support with new funds / resources outside banks and tax cuts are the three most important measures proposed by small retail companies (kiosks). This is followed by the extension of the rent subsidy, the treatment of increases in energy, the staff subsidy, the non-repayable advance, the reduction of municipal fees, the extension of the aid criteria and the remaining measures with smaller percentages.

.

Source From: Capital

You may also like

Get the latest

Stay Informed: Get the Latest Updates and Insights

 

Most popular