Effective Monday, 13 December, every store at every center operated by Austria's largest shopping center operator, SES Spar European Shopping Centers, will once again be open for business at their regular opening hours. Shopping centers in Upper Austria, where the lockdown is scheduled to end on 17 December, are the only exceptions. On Sunday, 19 December, all 16 SES shopping centers in Austria will be open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The 2G regulation, which applies to retail and gastronomy operations, will be widely communicated across all channels of each center – in line with the policy that was in place prior to the lockdown.

“In light of the extremely challenging situation that is currently being faced by brick-and-mortar retailers across Austria, we are delighted to be able to hit the ground running again. All of our shopping centers in Austria will be open daily from Monday to 24 December, including on Sunday, 19 December, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM; naturally, our three centers in Upper Austria will adhere to the rules governing the prolonged lockdown period and will remain open for, at the very least, all basic shopping needs,” says Christoph Andexlinger, COO of Shopping Center Operator SES, confirming the implementation of the federal government's decision to open, adding: “Retail areas are arguably some of the safest public places. The likelihood of catching an infection while shopping in a brick-and-mortar retail environment is close to zero, as confirmed by all relevant studies and analyses." The safeguarding of customers' health is also ensured via the COVID-19 hygiene management system certified by TÜV AUSTRIA, which is in use at all SES shopping centers.

“Everyone benefits when gifts are purchased at brick-and-mortar stores. It helps prevent the further outflow of taxes abroad through online retailing, it safeguards jobs, and it links value creation to the local economy. In addition, visitors – whether at shopping malls or in shopping streets – can enjoy the distinctive Christmas spirit that we have all been missing,” says Andexlinger.

Regular Opening Hours Are Vital to Balancing Customer Footfall
In the run-up to Christmas, it is of particular importance and appropriate that legislators allow the return to regular opening hours. In the past, that has greatly contributed to spreading out visitor footfall.

Above-average Hygiene Standards in the Retail Sector
Hygiene standards at SES shopping centers, which were high before the outbreak of the coronavirus, have been further increased by the employment of additional staff. Touch points, such as fittings, railing and escalator hand grips, ATM keypads, and elevator buttons are now cleaned and disinfected even more frequently than before. In addition, each center is supplied with up to 100% fresh air, thereby minimizing the risk of infection. SES is TÜV AUSTRIA certified for its COVID-19 hygiene management. The 2G rule is also clearly communicated via digiscreens, center announcements, and the respective center websites.

Lockdown: Taking Stock
An initial interim assessment shows that the range of basic services, click & collect services, and other services have been well received by customers at SES centers during the fourth lockdown. The outcome of a final assessment is contingent upon whether government aid can compensate for the massive loss of sales suffered by the retail community. Sales of the “Zehner” shopping gift certificate have also progressed in a very encouraging manner. Companies, in particular, are opting to give their employees the “Zehner” gift certificate in lieu of Christmas parties, while simultaneously taking advantage of the tax-free allowance of up to €365.