Following statements by the President of the Republic, the FEBEA regrets that sales outlets such as perfumeries, parapharmacies, hairdressing salons and beauty salons have not been designated among the businesses that may remain open. The FEBEA has informed the government of its wish that these outlets should be able to remain open from now on, and throughout the period of confinement.
As FEBEA president Patrick O'Quin explains: "Most of these businesses are very small enterprises, which have already been considerably weakened by the initial containment.
According to a study by Asterès, forecasts were already gloomy for these businesses, with an estimated 25% drop in sales for the year as a whole.
Following the announcement of the new containment, Patrick O'Quin said: "Keeping these local shops open is a condition of survival, especially as they have made considerable efforts to welcome their customers in perfect health safety conditions".
The FEBEA points out that the run-up to the festive season is essential for these stores: perfume shops, for example, generate a decisive share of their sales in November and December.
What's more, they are important outlets for social interaction: "Hairdressing salons are often the last shops in small towns," says Patrick O'Quin. "Wellness is an essential element of health, as defined by the World Health Organization. In fact, it became clear during the initial confinement that our compatriots were severely lacking in social ties. The result was a 3-fold increase in disorders linked to depression, anxiety and addiction.
