END UNFAİR COMPETİTİON FROM SUPERMARKET CHAİNS

ETO President Metin Güler expressed concern over supermarket chains that continue operating during weekend restrictions and sell a wide range of products, from A to Z, at the expense of small businesses. Güler stated that the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce has taken steps to end this unfair competition, which harms small businesses.

Güler highlighted that the number of supermarket chains continues to grow, with over 400 locations across Eskişehir and its districts. He noted that, due to weekend restrictions during the pandemic, all businesses except food producers and grocery stores had to close. Meanwhile, supermarket chains not only remained open but also continued to sell everything from food to stationery, kitchenware, white goods, car tires, and equipment, effectively using the pandemic to their advantage.

Initiatives for Regulatory Change

Emphasizing that small businesses are struggling, Güler explained that the pandemic’s economic impact has compounded an already slow economy, adding further strain on traders and shopkeepers. He stated that supermarket chains should be restricted from selling non-food items or at least face limitations on the range of goods they can sell. Güler added that the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce has taken action with TOBB to request regulatory changes from the relevant ministry.

Defending Members’ Rights on Every Platform

Güler emphasized that this regulation is crucial for the survival of small businesses. He advocated for limits on the variety of products that supermarket chains can sell to end this unfair competition. ETO President Metin Güler assured members that their concerns would not be overlooked, stating that they would defend the rights of small businesses against supermarket chains’ unfair practices on every platform.