Israel – 50% Losses for Supermarket Under Orthodox Boycott for Being Open on Shabbos

Israel – Despite the fact that no official boycott has been announces, ultra-Orthodox consumers have already begun to impose informal sanctions on the Shefa Shuk supermarket chain.

According to estimates provided by concerned advertisers and suppliers, the chain's eight stores catering to the ultra-Orthodox sector have already suffered a 50% drop in revenue.

The campaign began after rabbis from the Committee for the Sanctity of Shabbat took out an advertisement in ultra-Orthodox papers calling on readers to avoid any business transactions with the Dor Alon company following its refusal to close its chain of AM:PM convenience stores on Shabbat.

"The monthly turnover for one branch in Bnei Brak alone reached almost $3 million this year and on Passover eve the proceeds stood at $56,000 an hour. You have to consider the timing here – the month between Purim and Passover is the most crucial for the retail market, especially the ultra-Orthodox one," said Meir Gal, deputy CEO of ultra-Orthodox advertising giant Gal-Oren BSD.

But Haim Shalom – who heads one of the largest supply firms for the sector, Ta'aman – discounted those reporting, Purim, he said, went ahead as usual and he expects the standard order for Passover. [Y-net]

U/D: 07:59
Shefa Shuk chain manager Uri Kaminsky has resigned, as the dispute between the company and the rabbis from the haredi sects widens.
Kaminsky submitted his resignation to Alon subsidiary Blue Square Israel CEO Zeev Warmbrand. [globes]