Restrictions on movement presuppose support for specialty goods trade companies – Finnish Commerce Federation calls for clarity in government decisions
The government’s planned decisions on restriction of movement would hit the specialty and household goods trades heavily. The Finnish Commerce Federation demands that the government’s decisions be clear. If restrictions on movement really are implemented, the commerce sector companies suffering from the restrictions must be compensated for the negative financial impacts.
The new movement-restricting decisions would deal heavy blows to the specialty and household goods trades. Many specialty goods trade companies have already been seriously hurt by regulatory restrictions and recommendations and the change in consumer behaviour. Several companies struggle with profitability and some have had to end their operations.
“It is clear that if the government sets restrictions on movement, they will cause significant financial losses for specialty goods trade companies. Therefore, it is very important that the companies suffering due to the restrictions are compensated for the negative financial effects,” says Mari Kiviniemi, Managing Director of the Finnish Commerce Federation.
Specialty and household goods trade takes care of many supplies and products that are central to everyday life and living. It holds great significance for how well the everyday lives of citizens function. Some of the operators also have an important role in the maintenance of security of supply. For example, the availability of spare car parts stores, hardware stores, optician services and the related eye doctor services must be ensured.
From the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the commerce sector has voluntarily been one of the first entities preparing measures that promote the safety of working and shopping. Operators in the sector have also been in a continuous dialogue with the authorities and have followed their recommendations carefully. The measures have been effective. Stores have not been a source of any extensive chains of infections.
“The entire commerce sector expects the coming decision to have clarity and precision. Citizens also have the right to get clear information about such a central question. The monitoring of restrictions should unambiguously be the authorities’ responsibility,” says Mari Kiviniemi.
Further information:
Mari Kiviniemi, Managing Director, Finnish Commerce Federation, tel. +358 (0)50 511 3189, mari.kiviniemi@kauppa.fi
Simo Hiilamo, Director, Public Policy and Advocacy at the Finnish Commerce Federation, tel. +358 (0)50 350 7564, simo.hiilamo(at)kauppa.fi
