Winter Sales Continue Amid Optimistic Retail Expectations

Stores will be open this Sunday for winter sales from 11:00 to 18:00, though participation is optional for store owners. Supermarkets will remain closed, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonian

The winter sales season, which began on January 13, will run until Friday, February 28.

According to Vassilis Korkidis, president of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce & Industry, this year's sales are expected to surpass last year’s performance despite post-holiday economic fatigue. Retail turnover for January-February 2025 is projected to exceed last year’s €6 billion total. This optimistic outlook is supported by a 6.4% rise in private sector wages and a 9% drop in unemployment, easing family budget constraints.

Makis Savvidis, vice-president of the Athens Trade Association (ESA) and the Greek E-Commerce Association (Greca), highlighted an abundance of merchandise, particularly clothing and footwear, offered at competitive prices. However, warmer-than-usual weather has slowed sales as retailers aim to clear accumulated stock.

Despite a strong holiday season for large stores and malls, market enthusiasm remains lukewarm, with turnover appearing lower than in previous years. On a brighter note, NielsenIQ data revealed that supermarkets ended 2024 with a 3.6% growth, reaching €14.8 billion in total sales.