Retailers open, but fret about future

As retail stores opened their doors to customers again on Monday, after nearly two-and-a-half months, about a third are fretting that a third lockdown could prove fatal.

Retailers have already lost a week from the winter sales, which are set to last until February 27, and will now try to salvage what they can. But, for many, previous income losses and accumulated debts could mean that shutting their business is preferable to continuing with its operation.

Last Wednesday, Spyros Kafounis, president of the Athens Traders' Association, said that if retail doesn't operate smoothly from now on, and if there are no more government support measures, including debt forgiveness, at least for those who were paying their debts regularly before the pandemic, one in two shops could be forced to shut permanently.

A recent Athens Chamber of Commerce survey found that 23% of...