The energy crisis is changing the operation hours in stores and the start has been made by the Trade Association of Thessaloniki that in all formality raised the issue of reduced hours and made a relevant proposal. Similar thoughts reportedly exist by the Trade Association in Athens, while the Development Ministry is also considering the idea.
The dramatic decline in store revenues and the strangulation of consumer purchasing power as a result of the energy crisis has raised alarm with a radical reduction in opening hours being on the table.
The Trade Association in Thessaloniki proposed reduced operating hours during the afternoon/evening hours.
According to newspaper efimerida ton syntakton, the Association proposed in a statement that the new reduced hours take effect from next week, that is Monday, October 10, 2022.
The proposed opening hours should be structured as follows:
Monday -Wednesday -Saturday: 10:00 to 16:00
Tuesday – Thursday – Friday: 10:00 to 19:00
→ The program proposed by the Association completely eliminates the Sunday opening of shops as well as operation with split hours.
“Due to the problems created by the energy crisis and the unforeseen difficulties of the coming winter, the decrease in market turnover and the government’s demand for a reduction in electricity consumption, the Board of Directors of the Thessaloniki Trade Association has decided to propose reduced operating hours of stores during the afternoon/evening hours,” the statement said.
Similar thoughts reportedly exist in the Athens Trade Association that, however, proposes that such regulation is and not voluntary and it also includes the supermarkets to avoid “unfair competition” as the supermarkets sell also products beyond food and drinks.
Supermarkets and big store chains, Greek and foreign alike, reportedly oppose reduced hours considering that the benefit will be minimal and the consequences particularly negative in a number of things, such as employment, business turnover and customer service for the citizens.
They also state that it will be negative for consumers who have learned a certain schedule and will hardly be able to change their habits. At th same time they note that if reduced operation hours take effect, employment will inevitably be affected in a period of pivotal importance for the Greek economy.
In addition, they argue that the benefit will be minimal, since commercial enterprises and supermarkets do not have energy-consuming devices and the only energy consumption has to do with lights and air conditioners. Even in supermarkets that have large refrigerators, reducing the hours will not bring any effect, since they work 24 hours a day.
The Development Ministry is not negative to the proposal of reduced operation hours in stores as it will serve the central political line to reduce energy consumption.
A meeting between representatives of supermarkets and big store chains with the Development Minister is scheduled for later today.
I rarely have time to shop as it is, as I work a lot. If these hours are implemented, I may have to revert back to shopping online (and I hated that, so I’ll only do it if I really need something). Currently most of my shopping is done on Friday night, as it’s the only week night that I don’t work.
I’m wondering what will happen to places like gyms?
I also wanted to add that a better way to save energy is to lower the thermostat. Most winters, once I enter a store, I am often forced to strip—remove my coat at minimum and sometimes other items of clothing because of the heat. (Greeks love the heat, I’ve come to learn). It’s annoying because I end up having to carry my removed clothing and it reduces my desire to shop. I have always wished that employees would dress for winter while working on stores and reduce the indoor heating.