All restrictions on retail offers to be lifted
Retail stores will be able to have special offers on merchandise on any day of the year, even throughout the year and on the day before the start of sales seasons, without having to announce them to the Development Ministry and the local tradesmen’s association, according to a ministerial decision that comes into effect on Wednesday.
The decision met the opposition not only of traders and consumer groups, but also of coalition partner PASOK, whose spokesman dubbed it a “cheap trick.”
Tuesday’s decision by Deputy Development Minister Gerasimos Giakoumatos also sets specific criteria for the determination of a store as a stock outlet. It will have to sell stock from previous seasons or lines, and will be allowed to sell used or faulty goods provided this is clearly indicated. The fact that items are stock from previous seasons will have to be clearly marked, too, with a note next to the product’s price.
