Activities of Malcolm HARBOUR related to 2013/2093(INI)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on the European Retail Action Plan for the benefit of all actors PDF (226 KB) DOC (112 KB)
Amendments (8)
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas unfair trading practices (UTPs) continue to exist and negatively affect, in particular, farmers and small producing companiesimpact negatively on consumer interests as well as on growth and job creation throughout the supply chain;
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Is concerned that restrictive national rules, divergent interpretations and inadequate enforcement of internal market rules impede free movement of goods and services in the EU; stresses that requirements for extra tests and registrations, non-recognition of certificates and standards, territorial supply constraints and similar measures create extra costs for consumers and retailers, in particular SMEs, thus depriving European citizens of the full benefits of the single market;
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Asks the Commission to supplement its Action Plan with a set of actions aimed at supporting the independent retailer, such as: the encouragement of the ‘adopt-a- shop’ principle by which biglarger retailers act as ‘mentors’ to smaller shops in their immediate vicinity same locality, in particular for new market entrants; the promotion of groups of independent retailers, including co- operatives, which benefit from mutual assistance and certain economies of scale, whilst retaining their full independence; respect forpromoting the right of local and regional authorities to stimulate in certain shopping areas (e.g. the ‘high streets’) a climate favourable to small, independent shopsa climate favourable to small, independent shops, which are typically established in town centres, by lowering energy rates and rents via public- private partnerships, and by introducing business rate discounts on local charges for small businesses and independent retailers, in compliance with applicable EU State Aid Competition and Internal Market Public Procurement rules, and by promoting co-operation between the various shops in that area;
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Emphasises the important role of public-private partnerships in ensuring clean, safe and accessible shopping areas in town and city centres, inter alia, by addressing the negative effects of vacant buildings in shopping areas, e.g. by making these places available to start-up businesses at a lower rent than usual, in compliance with applicable EU State Aid and Public Procurement rules;
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that with the increasing importance of e-commerce, shops are facing new challenges making multichannel retail strategies ever more important; expresses in this regard its concern, in view of the social role of retail, that e-commerce might overtake entire retail sectors, such as currently seems to be the case in the audiovisual and book sectors;the rapid development of e- commerce has delivered significant benefits for consumers and businesses in terms of innovation, new market opportunities and growth, improved choice, enhanced competition and lower prices; notes however that shops are facing new challenges making multichannel retail strategies ever more important; in view of the social and cultural role of retail, encourages retailers to develop new business models for their on-line customer base while also expanding the shopping experience in the brick-and-mortar shop, inter alia, by increasing service levels, both before and after-sale, and by linking the presentation on the internet to the staff responsible for the sales in the brick-and-mortar shop;
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Expresses its concern about the erosion of the rights of franchisees versus the franchising company and calls for transparent and fair contracts;Welcomes franchising as a business model which supports new business and small-business ownership; however, notes the existence of unfair contract terms in certain cases; calls therefore on the Commission and Member States to ensure that the Block Exemption on Vertical Restraints Regulation (EU) No 330/2010 is correctly applied; draws in particular, draws the attention of the Commission and Member States to problems faced by franchisees who want to sell their business or change their business formula, whilst remaining active in the same sector; requestscalls furthermore on the Commission to examine the effects of long-term competitionexclusivity clauses, purchase options and, the prohibition of multi-franchising and to reconsider in this respect the current exemption from competition rules for contracting parties having a market share of less than 30%;
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Notes that issues about vertical trading relations also arise in connection with selective and exclusive distribution arrangements in branded goods retailing; calls therefore on the Commission and Member States to safeguard the rights of retailers and store owners with more limited bargaining power;
Amendment 83 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18