Seven retail chains selling household appliances and electronics have suspended their activities in Belarus following state inspections. They may resume their activities after they eliminate legislation violations. The Presidential Decree No 567 as of December 5th has empowered the Trade Ministry to suspend the activities of trade facilities up to 90 days in case of violation of applicable laws. The main reason for the suspension was that these commercial facilities had insufficient quantity of domestic products on the shelves. Because of the decree, the range of imported products in retail chains will reduce. The devaluation in Russia has significantly increased the attractiveness of imports from Russia, therefore the requirement to have more Belarusian goods on display may have a negative effect on consumer numbers and trade as a whole.
