Czechs took DIYs by storm over the Easter weekend to the apparent surprise of government ministers who said they’d hoped consumers would be more cautious. Long lines formed at cashiers desks across the country as consumers tried to make up for lost time. Global Payments, which operates a wide network of payment terminals, says that Czechs spent roughly CZK 552m (CZK 1,395 per transaction) at DIY stores that have been starved for cash. Last year’s sales over the holiday weekend amounted to just CZK 110m with customers spending an average of CZK 1,219. Health officials were less pleased, however, as there’s concern that the Czech Republic now risks a resurgence in cases of COVID-19 over the coming week in connection with undisciplined behavior of shoppers.
