Most businesses faced a slump in winter sales, with 7 out of 10 reporting worse figures compared to last year, as per a study by the Athens Chamber of Commerce.

The research, conducted biannually in collaboration with the Athens University of Economics and Business, surveyed over 400 businesses across the entire Athens region confirming what the daily sales records indicate that almost 7 out of 10 commercial businesses reported worse sales this year compared to last year. However, businesses with an online presence fared slightly better.

The Chamber has highlighted two pressing issues: the urgent deadline for POS interconnection and the impending use of digital work cards. President Stavros Kafounis assures active intervention for proper implementation and calls for rationalizing pending fines.

Acknowledging a boost in the optimism index, signaling hope for the future, Kafounis pledges support for wage hikes, contingent on reducing excessive non-wage costs and permanently scrapping memorandum burdens.