Frankfurt (dpa/lhe) – The rapid increase in energy costs combined with declining sales is becoming a stress test for many retailers in Hesse. Since the beginning of the year, energy costs in retail have risen by almost 150 percent on average, the Hesse trade association said when asked by the dpa. This turns companies’ calculations upside down and in many places cannot be compensated for in the short term, since the industry is clearly feeling the effects of the economic slowdown with consumer sentiment at an all-time low.
Since the problem of high energy costs is likely to get worse in the coming weeks and months and many companies have hardly any financial reserves after the two years of corona, the association sees the existence of many companies as threatened.
At the same time, retailers are already making great efforts to save energy, the association explained. Possible measures are the use of innovative lighting concepts and efficient air conditioning and heating technology as well as improved energy management. Reduced opening hours could also be a possible contribution to energy savings. “However, the decision to reduce opening hours must always be based on individual business considerations and may therefore only be used if it makes business sense,” explained Sven Rohde, Managing Director of the Hesse Trade Association.
