Victoria is set to lose another $1 billion in retail trade over the five-day lockdown, the Australian Retailers Association has stated.
The added Victorian loss joins the estimated $6 billion in lost retail trade from the NSW lockdown and the previous Victorian one.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said that Victoria's fifth lockdown brings the state's total of days locked-down to 68 in 2021 alone.
"This is Groundhog Day for Victorians.
"This lockdown delivers another billion-dollar blow for retail businesses and workers who are yet again the innocent victims of the virus and our delayed national vaccine rollout.
"Victorians have been to hell and back over the past 18 months and lockdowns have sadly become a way of life.
"The impact will be immense - we estimate another billion dollars’ worth of retail trade is at risk, and many small businesses are past breaking point.
"Vulnerable businesses, in particular CBD retailers, hospitality and beauty businesses have yet to recover from the last lockdown in June, and unfortunately now, it’s back to square one.
"Lockdowns have a financial and a social cost, taking a toll on people’s confidence and their mental health.
"We must ensure accessible support measures are in place and well promoted to those who may need help," he said.
Zahra added that the organisation is looking forward to seeing government support rolled out to Victorian retailers quickly.
"The Federal Government has said the economic support measures that were set up for NSW are a template for other states should they be plunged into lockdowns.
"We look forward to the Government swiftly following through on that commitment for Victorian workers who will be displaced and the businesses that are forced to temporarily close their doors.
"NSW and Victoria are the engine rooms of the national economy, and with Australia’s two largest states now in lockdown, our pandemic recovery is in a precarious position.
"Retailers respect and support the health measures in place and have worked around the clock to protect their staff and customers from COVID.
"However, with this situation stretching into a new financial year it’s clear that vaccines are our only ticket to freedom and the only way we’ll see an end to lockdowns and restrictions that are crippling so many businesses and livelihoods," he said.
In his press conference yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he will have more to say on business support as early as today.