According to the president of the Luxembourg Consumers Association (ULC), the decision not to accept cash is punishable by law. Those affected by the measure can turn to te police or even file a complaint with the Ministry of Finance.
Customers' response did not amuse the bakery's management. Carole Muller, CEO of Fischer SA, said that customers have reacted aggressively, sometimes hostile, towards the staff of certain subsidiaries.
The management explained that this is only a temporary measure and has been implemented to reduce contact between customers and sales personnel. Hygiene is essential in these times of crisis, and the chain aims to do everything to prevent the transmission of the virus.
Various structures including the scouts, Hëllef Doheem or Help had criticized this measure from the start. The bakeries responded by introducing an invoice system to be settled after the crisis, also available for people who do not have a payment card.
The two companies Fischer and Panelux are hit hard by the crisis, especially in pastry shops where staff has been reduced from 20 people to just two per day. 80% of the volume in pastry and catering has disappeared since the start of the crisis, according to Patrick Muller, CEO of Panelux SA.
Panelux's turnover fell by 50%, both nationally and for exports. 30% of employees are either on leave for family reasons, partial unemployment or sick leave.
Fischer has closed 25 of its 64 stores across the country. The bosses ask the customers to show respect towards the collaborators who are still present in order to serve their customers.
