Clothing retailers welcome directions on what can be sold during Level 4

13 May 2020

Major clothing retailers have welcomed directions issued today (May 12) by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel, on the type of clothing, footwear and bedding  which may be sold during COVID-19 level 4.

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 have called on the clothing retail sector to take advantage of the opportunity to be trading essential goods .

Says Anthony Thunstrom, CEO of TFG and chair of the NCRF : “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.”

Michael Mark, CEO of Truworths, says 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. “

Mark Blair, CEO, Mr Price Group, says: “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”.

Issued by Michael Lawrence on behalf of National Clothing Retail Federation of South Africa, 13 May 2020