Not all retail stores — from micro to major chains and franchises – will reopen on Monday.
Business Day was told they just do not have the money to reopen while others, like Courts, will only open some branches.
President of the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GTCIC) Melissa Senhouse said her association was still collecting data from the businesses in the area, but estimated there were about 1,000, ranging from micro to medium enterprises.
She said the feedback from the owners they had contacted was mixed and a more accurate analysis of the retail sector in the GTCIC will be better determined next week.
“Many of the business owners were anxious about the reopening, but worried at the same time about sustainability." But, she said, “They have welcomed it after being closed for almost three months. Most of our businesses are small and were not able to pay their employees while at home. They are happy to be able to earn an income again,” she said.
Senhouse added that in the midst of the retail sector reopening, there were still many businesses in the micro and small enterprises categories that would not open.
[caption id="attachment_906848" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Traffic flows on the Eastern Main Road, Tunapuna. The Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce says many micro and small businesses may not reopen on Monday. - FILE PHOTO/SUREASH CHOLAI[/caption]
She explained they did not have the money to spend that comes with reopening, such as rent, transport, restocking and paying salaries.
“Since a large number of people would have been unemployed over the period, reopening, for some businesses, just did not make sense.
“People do not have money to spend. Who would really be purchasing?
"For some, reopening now would be a cost they just can't afford and that was one of the concerns some of the owners have expressed.”
Senhouse welcomed the advocacy by other chambers for VAT refunds and other incentives, but also called for government to consider a moratorium on utility bills for micro and small businesses.
“The VAT refund is a fantastic idea for the medium to large business. Micro and small businesses needed other assistance and believe a moratorium on water, electricity and other utilities would be helpful. Nedco has been helpful but I think it can be ramped up a more.”
Unfortunately, an uptick in the retail sector will take a while, Senhouse said, and businesses have said they are unable to bring back all their staff and some indicated a rotation of workers.
She said vaccinations were important to get the economy going again and the chamber has been collecting data and encouraging retail workers to be vaccinated.
“We have been inquiring into vaccinations, such as how many staff have been vaccinated in each business and their thoughts on mandatory vaccinations.
“We have collected the names of people interested in vaccinations and have assisted with appointments. What percentage that represents of their staff complement is what we are unsure of.”
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