OKSZ: retail burdens are hindering the recovery of consumer confidence

According to the National Trade Federation (OKSZ), the sector cannot significantly strengthen consumer confidence, as government measures – including the margin freeze, the special retail tax and the mall freeze – significantly increase the burden.

Tamás Kozák, Secretary General of OKSZ, pointed out that the increase in supplier prices has revived fears of inflation in 2022-23, which even the margin freeze could not alleviate. Although the intervention had a one-time inflation-reducing effect, according to representative surveys, 75 percent of the population does not perceive its benefits today.

According to the OKSZ, the special tax has effectively increased VAT burdens to 31.5 percent, the reduction in the handling fee paid by MOHU narrows the resources of the redemption system, and the extension of the mall stop hinders efficiency gains. “These steps drain investment resources, reduce the number and extent of promotions, which would provide substantial help, especially to customers in the most difficult situations,” said Tamás Kozák.