PESA: The Easter move is not enough to ‘resurrect’ the Attica market

“The increases in food, which are included in the Easter table, are almost certain to reduce consumption and Easter turnover by up to 30% in many other branches of the retail trade.”

This is noted in a statement by the Regional Chamber Council of Attica (PESA) and adds that the Easter festive season is short and limited consumption, as it does not exceed 1.5 billion euros in turnover and is not enough to “resurrect” the Greek market.

Regarding the operation of the stores, yesterday, Palm Sunday, it is mentioned in the announcement that the consumers were numb and the consumption was limited, despite the increased traffic in front of the shop windows and the food markets. Specifically, as noted, in the main shopping streets of Attica, sales were sluggish and the average number of visitors to the shops was in single digits.

The Regional Chamber Council of Attica adds the following: “The commercial world is also prepared for this” special “festive period of the new crisis that has created energy and food costs in households and businesses. The image that the commercial world wants to is a modest optimism aimed at improving the market climate and the mood of the buying public.Commercial companies have absorbed in final prices that affect both costs and extreme increases in consumer goods.

Despite the skyrocketing cost of energy, which has, in effect, affected new consumer habits, the expectation is that the market will move faster than ever before, as consumers will be able to buy even necessary, to spend the festive days determined by the Greek Easter. People need to feel better, to improve their mood and trade needs the willing consumer to overcome another “reef”. In this battle, the state and companies are fighting together so that the Greek market does not “freeze” precisely.

The market expects on Holy Week the payment of the Easter gift to the private sector, amounting to 1 billion euros, and the targeted allowance of 200 euros totaling 324 million euros to 3.2 million vulnerable citizens and beneficiaries 1.4 million households. After Holy Wednesday, we will have a clearer picture of what the market can claim this year from the, usual of recent years, Easter turnover of 1.5 billion euros, in order to make its own “first resurrection”, which is in great need. Although at a higher cost, the home family festive table is expected to return this year. However, it is estimated that up to 25% more expensive, households will pay for the Easter table this year and, in combination with the other increases for the Easter gifts, the family obligations of the Resurrection will be “stingier” this year, reaching 300 euros for a family of four. .

According to the first market estimates, a few days before Easter, the increase in the cost of the Easter table may exceed 18% in total. Already in the wholesale, according to the daily price bulletin of OKAA, prices in lamb range between 7-8.5 euros per kilo, while for the goat were between 7.5-9.5 euros per kilo. Traders estimate that, based on these prices, the spear will exceed 13 euros per kilo this year, from 12 euros last year. Also this year the available lambs are limited, due to reduced imports, with producers claiming prices much higher than last year. Increases in fruit and vegetables and fruits that reach 15% are also significant, with some species exceeding 30%, while increases in cheese exceed 7%, and in chocolates and pastries, buns, cookies the increases range from 7% up to 15%.

Increases in food, which are included in the Easter table, are almost certain to reduce consumption and Easter turnover by up to 30% in many other retail sectors, such as seasonal gifts, toys, candles, chocolates, children’s clothing and footwear. , which are a big part of the Easter holiday expenses. The central and regional markets of Attica, despite the many difficulties, price increases and energy costs that all businesses have suffered, guarantee the absolute sufficiency of all Easter items and food for consumers, whether they leave for Easter in the village or stay in the Basin “.

Statement

Finally, the president of PESA and the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vassilis Korkidis, on the occasion of the Resurrection of the Lord, addresses everyone wishes for health and love, stating the following: “It is certain that parents and godparents, as every year This year, too, they will do their best to meet their family and social obligations with dignity, even with less money available. between co-religious peoples and to restore peace in our region, but also to “resurrect” the Greek economy and society. Happy Holy Week, happy Resurrection! “.

SOURCE: AMPE