Call for restrictions on chain markets: 'Their numbers should be reduced or they should be moved out of town'

Small business owners in Elazığ are facing severe financial difficulties due to rising costs, high rents, and economic contraction, according to Hakan Albayrak, head of the Elazığ Tradesmen and Artisans Chamber.

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If this situation does not improve, tradesmen will be greatly victimized.

Albayrak called for restrictions on chain supermarkets, suggesting their numbers should be reduced or they should be relocated outside city centers. He noted that these large chains sell a wide range of products, from shoes to phones, directly competing with various sectors of local businesses. "If this situation does not improve, tradesmen will be greatly victimized," he warned.

"Our tradesmen cannot cope with the rents," Albayrak stated, emphasizing that many struggle to pay their social security contributions (SGK and BAĞ-KUR) and loans. He also pointed to significant financial burdens from taxes, fees, and a newly introduced authorization certificate fee, which he finds difficult to afford as a business owner himself.

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Our tradesmen cannot cope with the rents.

Albayrak estimated that a small business owner's monthly expenses, including social security, employee wages, and accounting fees, amount to at least 150,000 lira. He also criticized banks for imposing high commissions on card payments, which he believes are crippling small businesses. "Banks have finished off our tradesmen," he said, urging for a reduction in these commissions and fees associated with POS devices.

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Banks have finished off our tradesmen.