The trade urges harmonisation and a long-term strategy

Europe’s Day in Commerce has become one of retail’s most important forums. At the 11 November event not only prizes were awarded but important information was also shared. Minister of National Economy Mihály Varga told in his speech the government hopes that cutting families’ utility costs and extending their tax benefits would entail an increase in households’ consumption. László Krisán, president of the trade and service provider section of the National Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers (VOSZ) stressed that for the first time in the last 5 years a small growth occurred in retail. He proposed the establishing of a retail roundtable where the ministry could harmonise trade strategies with retail organisations and the chamber. VOSZ executive president Sándor Demján asked Mr Varga’s ministry not to fine those retailers that were unable to install online cash registers due to someone else’s mistake. Mr Demján opined that the government and stakeholders in the sector should work out a 10-year retail strategy. The event ended with a professional forum, moderated by GfK Hungária’s managing director Ákos Kozák. Participants shared the view that the concentration of retail would continue in 2014 and they also hoped that online sales would continue to develop.