Large store operators in Spain complaining about the slow pace of store openings have demanded that they be allowed to start trading again. The government gave the green light to stores of less than 400 sqm to open this week, though only on appointment. The next phase is slated to begin on Monday, May 11, all stores of up to 400 sqm will be permitted to reopen.
It means that the biggest players in the retail sector like IKEA, Zara and H&M will have to remain shuttered until May 25, under the current schedule. Even then, shopping centers will be allowed to open but without offering common areas for people to gather or places to sit and mingle. The large store operators argue that the size of their stores should not be the final criteria for whether they can open or not but rather the ability to maintain social distancing measures within the facilities.
