A well-known marketplace in Lithuania has announced that it will be temporarily closing until March 3rd due to the impact of freezing temperatures. The closure was communicated via a notice at their kiosk on Taikos prospektas, where customers typically purchase fruits, vegetables, and other goods. The harsh weather conditions have forced many outdoor vendors in the city to shut down as products are freezing, preventing any sales during this period.

Donatas Botyrius, head of the Klaipėda branch of the Lithuanian Small Traders and Entrepreneurs Association, explained that the cold severely affects trading activities, as products cannot be maintained in a frozen state. He highlighted that heating outdoor marketplaces is impractical, resulting in not only kiosks but also larger trading places facing similar challenges. This situation has created a significant economic strain on small entrepreneurs who must still incur costs without generating any revenue during this closure.

According to Botyrius, the expenses continue to mount for small business owners even during the winter season, as they still have to pay for the stalls and rent, which are not adjusted for the temporary losses caused by the extreme weather. He described the freezing conditions as a real scourge for small merchants, emphasizing the pressing need for support to mitigate the economic impact of such weather patterns on local traders.