Winter sales next month may help the market to pick up
The winter sales season this year will start on Monday, January 22, and end on Saturday, February 24, with shopkeepers hoping their turnover will pick up after a rather subdued festive season to date. «The truth is that some 25 percent of the annual sales volume of retail shops comes from the last two weeks of the year. Given the drop in holiday purchases, we have to note that the market is expecting the period of discounted sales to see the boost it urgently needs,» suggested the Piraeus Traders’ Association (ESP). In the market of Piraeus, for instance, turnover was lower this Christmas period than last year, with the drop ranging from 5 to 10 percent, depending on the product, ESP estimates. Until the sales begin, in just over three weeks’ time, shops are not allowed to announce any discounts or offers in any way, particularly via advertising, fliers or billboards. The clear listing of prices before and after the discount price is compulsory in every shop, and definitely wherever goods are on display, otherwise shops will have to pay a fine equal to 0.5 percent of their annual sales volume. Shops will be open today as well as tomorrow. Tonight shops will close at 6 p.m., while department stores and supermarkets will shut at 8 p.m. Tomorrow shops will open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., with department stores closing at 7 p.m. and supermarkets at 9 p.m., although this is not obligatory.
