While traffic at the other border crossings between Austria and the Czech Republic- as well as after Hungary, Slovenia, Germany, Switzerland or to Italy- flows largely unhindered- and is only controlled by random, the transition at Kleinhaugsdorf- Hatĕ is increasingly developing into a problem zone: penal border controls on the return journey, of all things, shape at the location of the border-close frame and Designer outlet center, which is also open on Sundays and public holidays. “In the meantime it has become a system,” says Freeport managing director Mag. Thomas Seikmann the topic openly: “We experience increased controls of all things to the transition that connects people at the weekend – not separated. While others remain open, we get the impression: If you want to shop on Sunday, it should be more difficult.
“The consequences are angry guests and losses in sales. The situation raises questions and endangers a functioning economic model, jobs and trust in a fair location policy. Seikmann: “It is directed against an Austrian company that made the Freeport Outlet in 2015, made considerable investments and created an international brand outlet and an attractive hotspot.”
Sunday opening as a stimulus topic and point of attack?
Although the Sunday opening in Freeport is legally permitted and people enable an attractive, contemporary shopping experience, it causes resentment with some. “Our Sunday opening does not meet everywhere – we know that,” says Seikmann. “Some see this an economic challenge, others an ideological problem. But that it does not become targeted control measures. While hardly or not at all checked at transitions such as Mikulov, Bratislava or Wullowitz, it regularly comes to strict reviews of the vehicle papers at the transition Kleinhaugsdorf – directly at Freeport. Particularly striking: The increased controls primarily concern cars. Trucks are not checked and drive through freely on their own lane. This leads to frequency declines, loss of sales and frustration among guests, trade and gastronomy at one of the country’s economically strongest border locations.
Arbitrariness or calculation?
According to Seikmann, an official request to the Interior Ministry did not bring a satisfactory explanation. Instead, reference is made to so -called “position -adapted risk analyzes”. “These take place with us only by chance,” commented Seikmann dryly. “The picture arises as if an economically successful location with Sunday opening is deliberately slowed down. This does not only harm us, but the Austria as a whole.” Freeport is open until 9:00 p.m. every day, is a 100 percent Austrian company and is one of the leading outlet centers Central Europe near the border. The location has been announcing for over 20 years: inside from Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and beyond. The legally permitted Sunday and holiday opening is a lived example of modern, cross-border consumption.
Freeport remains open – also for the dialogue
Despite all the challenges, Freeport continues to be clearly allowed at Sunday and public holidays- legally, economically sensible and in the customer: “It is not about special treatment, but about equal treatment. Why is this border crossing controlled, and why does this affect only car? Trade needs to plan, fairness and open borders. Not only on Sunday morning”, so “, so Seikmann. Freeport therefore invites decision -makers: inside from politics, business and administration to get an idea: of the reality at the border – and from the potential of a location that has been successfully creating jobs for years, generates added value and connects people across borders. Seikmann In conclusion: “In the media, there is often talk of insufficient police presence due to lack of personnel at various hot spots – and yet the police officer are deducted here: inside for senseless checks, even though they are urgently needed elsewhere.”
You can find more information about Freeport at: www.freeport.cz/at
The media information (including images) You can also find at: