The German Retail Association (HDE) supports the proposed establishment of a commission of inquiry to address the coronavirus pandemic. Given the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the retail sector, HDE calls for the industry to be involved in a discussion about the impacts and future precautionary measures.
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HDE General Manager Stefan Genth.
'It is worrying that retail has not yet been included in the Enquete Commission's plans to address the pandemic. For a balanced assessment of the economic and social aspects, the perspectives of retail must play a key role,' said HDE General Manager Stefan Genth. Retail has been hit particularly hard by the lockdowns and other pandemic-related measures. Simply examining the effects of the pandemic and the countermeasures on the catering industry, the cultural sector, the event industry, and tourism is not enough. 'As a retail sector, local supply is actually part of the critical infrastructure and has made considerable efforts to ensure that the population was supplied with food even in times of crisis,' Genth emphasises. The consequences of the coronavirus measures for retailers ultimately also have consequences for the stationary supply of the population. 'This must be part of the Enquete Commission's debate,' Genth demands.
From the HDE's perspective, the subsequent effects on public services in relation to the significantly weakened infrastructure in central supply locations must also be taken into account. 'With the onset of the government-imposed lockdowns, the density and quality of inpatient care for citizens deteriorated significantly,' Genth continued. The effects of the pandemic have not yet been overcome. Without comprehensive countermeasures, this situation will not improve. 'If central retail locations continue to struggle with structural problems, this is also a problem for public services,' Genth said. With a view to properly addressing the pandemic and developing preventive measures for future crises, the retail sector must under no circumstances be ignored.
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