Retail

Greek consumers appear pessimistic about the future of the national economy and their own personal finances, according to a survey by the Association of Business and Retail Sales of Greece (SELPE).

Supermarket sales recorded a 15-year high in 2020, being one of the very few winners during the pandemic.

Data collected by Nielsen researchers showed a 9.7% rise in organized food retailing during 2020. This concerns supermarkets of at least 100 square meters on mainland Greece and Crete, including retail chains.

The market is eager to see all brick-and-mortar stores reopen as early as possible, even if it is with the shopping by appointment system - dubbed "click inside" - that the government appears to be leaning towards at this stage. This may be the only way for retailers to contain massive turnover losses from the months-long lockdowns.

The new system considered for the operation of retail commerce amid the second wave of the pandemic provides for shopping by appointment, with consumers allowed to enter a store, see and even try on products of their choice.

The regional health inspectorates, Food Agency and Interior Ministry teams will raid on big retail chains stores to prevent queuing in front of stores and crowding inside them.

The 80% rental discount that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Tuesday for January and February will concern the enterprises that were closed on Wednesday. Therefore this regards retail commerce, food service, cultural businesses, sport centers, gyms, tourism, transport and enterprises that will remain shut over Christmas by state order.

Retail trade throughout the country remains suspended

Unlike Greek courier companies, which are struggling with an overload of orders, local supermarkets have successfully responded to the challenge of home deliveries and increased their clientele by expanding their services this year.

After extending the lockdown - which will impact a wide range of activities - until January 7, the government is weighing its options with regard to the Christmas season and whether it will allow retail stores to open and churches to function.

The pandemic has accelerated corporate evolution, with the sale of products directly from the producer to the consumer - hitherto restricted to the primary sector - now infiltrating the consumer goods industry as well.