Summer sales begin tomorrow, Monday, July 8, which is why the Athens Trade Association has issued recommendations to commercial businesses for the summer sales period.

“The summer discount period starts next Monday and commercial businesses all over the country expect a lot from it,” the President of the Athens Trade Association, Stavros Kafounis, said in a statement.

“At a difficult time for shops, with the accuracy of the situation shrinking disposable income and the banking system closed, we hope that the summer sales will bring a wind of optimism to the market and give breath to the struggling small and medium-sized businesses. Consumers are well aware that this is the time when they will find a sufficient supply of products and very large discounts to meet their needs in the run-up to the summer holidays. We are optimistic about the current discount period and I hope that its results, which will be reflected in the regular survey of the NSA, will be good for all of us.”

At the same time, the Athens Trade Association informs consumers and its member merchants that the regular summer discounts start on Monday, July 8 and end on Saturday, August 31, 2024, while stores can remain open on Sunday, July 14, with the Athens Trade Association’s suggested opening hours of 11:00 – 18:00.

The discounts are for the summer and will last until August 31. The first Sunday of the summer sales, July 14, is also optionally open.

What consumers should watch out for

If a discounted price is offered on more than 60% of the total items sold, a demonstration of the discount percentage offered is required.

The discount percentage must be displayed in the storefront and in any other commercial communication.

In case there are different discount rates by product categories, the range of the provided rate should be indicated (“from …. % to …. %”).

In all other cases, it will be indicated that the discounts are for selected items with reference to the corresponding percentage.

The way in which the discounted price is calculated and displayed must be true and not inaccurate.

Shopkeepers should, in the event of an inspection, be able to prove that the old selling price shown on the signboard is correct.

Consumers should ask for a receipt. In addition to reasons of fiscal honesty, in case of the purchase of a defective product, the receipt is necessary to refund the money to consumers.

Discounts usually apply to summer season products while promotions usually apply to non-seasonal items usually apply to out-of-season items.

During promotions, shopkeepers are required to have a sign posted stating that promotions are taking place and the products they sell should clearly state the original price the final promotional price and in no case the discount percentage.

Consumers, as defined by Article 1 of Law no. 2251/94, have every right to ask about the origin and quality of the product and traders must answer these questions.

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