The new president of the Union of Craftsmen and Traders, who participated this Monday morning in a crisis meeting with the Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, and the Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, is convinced that businesses non-essentials will not reopen on November 12.
But he is counting on a postponement of Black Friday and a reopening of non-essential shops in early December, subject to conditions.
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Do you think non-essential stores will reopen on November 12?
LAURENT MUNEROT
: No.
I think it will be difficult even if nothing is decided yet.
Ultimately, it will be up to Emmanuel Macron to decide.
But we must hope for a reopening as quickly as possible for companies, at a time when the reversal of the health curve will be indisputable, in order to avoid an economic disaster.
When do you think it could intervene?
December 1.
We explained it to Bruno Le Maire and Olivier Véran, during a meeting this Monday morning: the most important thing for traders is to have a calendar, perspectives.
There is nothing worse than being in the dark.
I believe they heard us and that they could announce a reopening, under conditions, on December 1st.
This would help to curb tensions because, on the ground, the teams are very recovered.
And that would save Christmas again.
What measures could be put in place to reopen businesses?
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Health protocols will have to be strengthened so as not to bend the health curve.
Several options are on the table such as making an appointment, possible for a hairdresser or a beautician but a little less for a florist for example.
Afterwards, Bercy would like to move the gauge from 4 square meters per customer and increase it to 8 or 10 square meters.
I alerted to the fact that some will not be able to accommodate any customer in their shop with such a gauge!
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Is additional financial assistance necessary?
You know, a business is intended to have an activity, not to survive on aid.
Afterwards, we already have feedback from the field which shows that few owners - individuals but also large landlords - wish to take advantage of the tax credit and cancel one month's rent to their tenant.
This is a real problem!
As for the Solidarity Fund, the ceiling of 10,000 euros could be increased for certain companies.
Which ones?
Today, companies with more than 50 employees, and those set up as a holding company, do not benefit from the system.
Then, some businesses - clothing and toy stores in particular - will have real inventory problems.
The State could compensate them on part of the stock.
Black Friday, this great operation of e-commerce promotions scheduled for November 27, should it be deleted?
We all agree to postpone it after the stores reopen.
Which would bring us, if we consider that the stores reopen on December 1, to a Black Friday on Friday December 4.
