Activity in the festive market is reaching its peak, with consumer preferences for gifts remaining consistent: clothing and footwear top the list, followed by gifts, toys, and cosmetics. Merchants are optimistic that their revenue will surpass last year’s levels, exceeding €4 billion.

Today, Sunday, retail shops will operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., while chain stores and shopping malls will remain open until 8 p.m.

Regarding store hours up to Christmas: on Monday, December 23, stores will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., while on Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve), retail shops will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stores will remain closed on Wednesday, December 25, and Thursday, December 26, as these are public holidays.

In preparation for New Year’s, stores will reopen on Friday, December 27, with continuous hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, they will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the following Sunday, retail shops will operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., while chain stores and malls will operate from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Tuesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve), retail shops will close at 6 p.m., and stores will remain closed on Wednesday, January 1, and Thursday, January 2.

Intensified Market Monitoring
Market inspections are ongoing to prevent unfair profiteering, misleading discounts, and other violations. The Ministry of Development is not only bolstering the activities of control mechanisms but also advising consumers to conduct thorough market research and utilize the e-Katanalotis digital price observatory. Consumer organizations, in turn, urge buyers to research before making purchases and exercise caution when sharing personal information during online transactions.

EKPIZO: What Consumers Should Watch for When Buying Toys and Food

According to research published by the Consumer Association for Quality of Life (EKPIZO) on its website, the festive atmosphere can influence consumer behavior, leading to increased spending and purchases that often exceed the budget planned for Christmas shopping. A significant part of festive preparations includes purchasing toys and food for the family table. However, the process of selecting and buying toys poses challenges related to their safety, quality, and suitability.

EKPIZO emphasizes, based on international standards and recommendations from scientific bodies, that consumers should adopt a careful and informed approach when purchasing toys, focusing on the following:

1. Safety Certifications and Age Suitability

When buying a toy, consumers should consider several factors. The number of toy samples tested is small compared to the vast array of toys available in the market, so extra caution is necessary.

• Check the toy’s markings. The CE mark indicates that the toy meets safety requirements as outlined in European legislation. All toys in the European Single Market must carry the CE mark visibly and indelibly. It’s also wise to check whether the toy has been certified by independent organizations adhering to strict safety standards, such as ASTM International.
• Toys intended for children over three years old must display age restriction labels and should not be purchased or used by younger children due to choking hazards.

2. Chemical Safety and Material Composition

When buying toys, consider the materials used. Avoid toys containing PVC or phthalates. The production and sale of any soft teething toys made of PVC intended for children under three years old are prohibited in the Greek market. Toxic chemicals, if present, can endanger children’s health through contact or inhalation.

3. Quality and Origin

Consumers are encouraged to prefer toys from reputable manufacturers and reliable businesses, avoiding street vendors without the necessary licenses. Toys of unknown origin often fail to comply with safety standards. Equally important is access to information about the manufacturer and distributor. Toy selection should also align with the child’s interests and inclinations.

4. Purchase Receipts and Product Returns

If a toy is defective, consumers have the right to return it. Those shopping online can return purchases within 14 calendar days of purchase, whether they changed their minds or the product was defective. Receipts should always be kept as proof for refunds or exchanges. If a receipt is not issued, consumers must request one or report any suspected unfair competition (e.g., identical product prices in multiple stores).

For the Christmas Table
Special care should be taken when selecting food to ensure consumer health and safety as well as product quality:

1. Choosing Fresh and Quality Products

The quality of food is key to a successful Christmas table. Consumers are advised to opt for organic products, check labels for packaging and expiration dates, and select seasonal fruits and vegetables, which are fresher and more affordable. Be vigilant for signs of spoilage, such as bruising or soft spots.

2. Meat Procurement

Fresh meat should be stored under refrigeration between +2°C and +5°C, while frozen meat must be kept below -18°C. Meat should never be sold outside refrigeration. Sales points must display the meat’s origin on signs and provide this information on adhesive labels issued by cash registers. Consumers should also look for veterinary inspection stamps to confirm that necessary checks have been performed. EKPIZO reminds consumers to fully thaw frozen meat before cooking (e.g., frozen chicken) by placing it in the refrigerator, covered in food-safe wrap, and in a suitable container to collect thawing liquids. Thawing times vary based on product weight and should follow supplier recommendations.

3. Packaged and Frozen Products

During the festive season, many foods are packaged. It’s important to read labels carefully to understand ingredients, expiration dates, and origin, and avoid products with excessive additives or artificial coloring. Consumers should ensure that packaging is intact, as damaged packaging may indicate contamination. Frozen products are convenient but require proper handling. When purchasing frozen items, check the store’s freezer temperature and promptly store them at home in the freezer.

Packaged cheeses must have an identification mark (oval stamp) with the production country’s initials and the producer’s approval number. The minimum shelf life date must be clearly displayed on the packaging. However, it’s advisable to avoid packaged dairy and deli products, as they are more expensive than unpackaged alternatives despite their longer shelf life.

4. Desserts

No Christmas table is complete without desserts. When buying traditional treats like melomakarona or kourabiedes, choose stores with a good reputation and guaranteed quality. For homemade desserts, purchase high-quality ingredients such as pure honey, flour, and nuts. In both cases, check ingredients carefully if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

Avoiding Overspending

Excessive festive spending is unnecessary to create a cheerful atmosphere. Purchase only what is truly needed to avoid wasting money and food. By planning carefully and making mindful choices, consumers can ensure a rich and high-quality festive table without straining their budget.

Consumer Focus on Savings and Resource Management
Greek consumers appear to be adjusting to the challenges posed by rising living costs during the festive season.

According to research by Klarna, Greek consumers are modifying their habits to manage increased living expenses, focusing on savings and strategic resource management.

• Over half of respondents (50.8%) are seeking more economical products.
• 41.1% plan to reduce spending on non-essential items, while 32.5% will only buy items with significant discounts.
• Compared to previous years, 20.1% state they will purchase fewer gifts.
• To avoid food waste, 25.6% plan to organize holiday menus more carefully.