Survey: Only 24 percent of small shop owners find economic measures for pandemic adequate

Photo: Hikmet Adal / bianet

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Small shop owners' concerns over the coronavirus pandemic increased while the indexes of confidence, trade and policy declined in September, according to a survey.

The rate of concerned show owners increased to 72 percent, rising to the level during the peak of the outbreak, says the survey by the REM People, a company that offers audit and consultancy services to retailers.

Bülent Peker, an executive of the company, said that the high number of new cases caused an increase in concern, which would continue in the future, according to the data they had.

The monthly report is prepared after measurements in 650 points representing Turkey.

According to the September report, the Confidence Index declined 5.6 points to 14,8, the Trade Index declined by 8.2 points to 21.6 points and the Policy Index declined by 2.3 points to 32.3

The "significant decrease" in the purchase of soft drinks, bottled water and ice cream affected the trade index, says the report.

Among all small shop owners, 38 percent support the government's services and policies during the pandemic the report says. While the government's protection of Turkey's interests in international relations was welcomed, the policy index dropped because of economic conditions, it notes.

Only 24 percent of the shop owners said the economic measures for the pandemic were adequate.

The rate of those estimating that the outbreak will last more than 12 months increased from 60 percent to 63 percent in a month. (HA/VK)