How to ‘Click in Shop’ in Greece – Guidelines

The Regional Chamber Council of Attica has released a set of guidelines for consumers regarding the operation of retail stores with the “click in shop” method.

The new method is among the government’s restrictions that were announced aim to curb overcrowding in public places and this way limit the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).

“Click in shop” sees consumers making appointments in advance to shop in person inside retail stores that sell clothes, shoes and books. The new method allows only a limited number of consumers in a store at the same time.

All other stores will continue to operate by the “click-away” method (introduced in December) that sees consumers placing their orders from home and collecting the items from outside stores by appointment.

Following are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the “click in shop” method that were released by the Regional Chamber Council of Attica:

• How will the “click in shop” method operate?

Shopping can take place inside the store by appointment. Consumers will be allowed to enter the store, try on preselected items and make purchases.

• Will consumers be allowed to choose any product they want?

Consumers can select and book the product they wish to buy either by phone or online. They will also have the opportunity to browse the store and try on products before buying, as long as they do not exceed the specified time limit.

• Will consumers be able to try on products?

Yes. Consumers will be allowed to try on products to minimize the possibility of returning them afterwards.
The “click-away” method did not offer that option and thus prevented consumers from purchasing clothes and shoes.

• Will consumers be able to return products?

Yes, but strictly by appointment. The consumer will be able to return a product and select another. All return and warranty rights will still be valid.

• Will consumers be able to pay in cash?

Yes. The cash limit has been set at 500 euros. This is an additional advantage of the click-in-shop method compared to the click-away system, which worked – in the majority of cases – through credit/debit cards and e-banking.

• Will there be any other restrictions?

Yes. Appointments will be scheduled based on the size of a store and the number of employees working there in order to avoid overcrowding. Only customers with scheduled appointments will be allowed inside a store.

The maximum number of persons allowed inside a store are determined based on the following:

– Stores up to 20sq.m.: A total of four people are allowed including customers and employees.
– Stores from 20 to 100sq.m.: Four people are allowed, plus one person per 10sq.m.
– Stores over 100 sq.m.: 12 people are allowed, plus 1 person per 15 sq.m.

• Will there be a time limit?

Yes. The aim of the method is to enable efficient customer service in the shortest time possible. Customers will be allowed to enter a shop, try on a product, pay and exit the store within a specified timeframe.

• Will the new shopping method be applied during the winter sales period?

The duration of the new method will be determined based on the epidemiological data. Retail businesses will work to ensure that all the necessary protection measures and operation regulations of the “click in shop” model are maintained.

• Will the click-in-shop method be applied in all commercial shops?

No. It has been clarified that the method will initially be allowed in stores selling clothes, shoes and books – stores that are considered to have suffered the hardest hit during the pandemic. All other stores will continue to operate with the “click-away” system.

• Will the new method be allowed in large shopping malls?

“Click in shop” can be applied in shopping malls only for stores selling clothes, shoes and books, provided that the time consumers spend inside malls is monitored.

• Will commercial shops operating with the “click in shop” method still be considered Covid-19-impacted businesses?

Yes. Especially for the months of January and February, the rent relief measures, the temporary suspension of employee contracts and the repayable advance measure will continue to apply.

It is reminded that Greece is still under lockdown and permission for outside movement must be requested by sending an SMS to the five-digit mobile phone service 13033. For movement related to shopping (by click-away and click in shop) at stores and going to hairdressers and other businesses, consumers must send an SMS (option 2) to 13033. Movement for shopping lasts two hours, which begin from the time the SMS has been sent and approved.