Retailers obtained positive results last year when compared to 2014, though challenges such as traffic, parking problems and online competitions were highlighted in the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU’s) annual survey.
48 per cent of respondents to the survey said their sales increased by up to 30 per cent over 2014, 27 per cent said sales remained the same and 2 5 per cent experiences sales drops of up to 30 per cent.
27 per of businesses that experienced an increase in sales put it down to the introduction of new products or services, 21 per cent to the increase in consumer spending power, and 16 per cent due to an increase in advertising.
GRTU President Paul Abela said retailers who did fared worse last year put this down to “unjust” competition such as imports from Sicily, parking problems, online competition and traffic.
Half of the respondents expressed themselves to be “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their turnover during the festive season.
The best week during the festive season was said to be between 21st to the 27 December.
GRTU CEO Abigail Psaila Mamo highlighted illegal imports from Sicily and temporary licenses given to hawkers as being two important issues the government needs to tackle.
She also placed emphasis on the need to improve the traffic and parking situation, increase accessibility to Valletta and the need for more loading/unloading bays.
She again reiterated the GRTU’s call for a 30 per cent reduction in energy tariffs.