Retailers News South Africa

SA's clothing retailers welcome directives from Patel

Major clothing retailers have welcomed the additional directives issued yesterday by Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel, on the type of clothing, footwear and bedding which may be sold during the Level 4 lockdown.
Anthony Thunstrom, CEO of TFG and chair of the National Clothing Retail Federation
Anthony Thunstrom, CEO of TFG and chair of the National Clothing Retail Federation

The categories permissible for sale cover baby and toddler clothing and footwear, all children’s wear, maternity wear, adult sleepwear, underwear and footwear as well as outwear categories such as gym, running and other exercise apparel, winter wear from jackets and coats to leggings and headwear, and bedding such as duvets, blankets, quilts, pillows and sheets.

The National Clothing Retail Federation (NCRF) whose members include TFG, Mr Price, Truworths, Woolworths, Pick n Pay Clothing and Queenspark, has called on the clothing retail sector to take advantage of the opportunity to be trading essential goods.

“The federation has participated in a robust engagement with government and stakeholders to construct the list of essential consumer items for winter clothing and textile items. The leadership of Minister Patel has been appreciated throughout the consultations.

"The NCRF calls on the clothing retail sector to offer retail environments that adhere to strict health protocols to help mitigate the transmission risks of Covid19," said Anthony Thunstrom, CEO of TFG and chair of the NCRF.

Michael Mark, CEO of Truworths, said clothing retailers are appreciative of the round-the-clock efforts the Minister and his team have put into this task and the consultative approach that they have taken.

“I have been extraordinarily impressed with the Minister’s handling of the regulations relating to the complexities of opening retail stores to sell winter clothing. His unwavering focus was on protecting the health of South Africans during the cold winter months," Clark said.

Mark Blair, CEO of Mr Price Group, commented “We are most appreciative of the manner in which the Minister and his advisors have applied and conducted themselves. An outcome which will ensure a wide range of winter clothing will be accessible to all is surely the correct one. This will protect our country’s citizens in the upcoming winter months”.

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