Shops will be open on Sunday as part of the festive opening hours, signaling the peak of the Christmas shopping season—a period from which the retail sector expects a great deal.

Despite the year’s accumulated challenges, merchants hope the holidays can function as a “corrective,” filling in part of the annual turnover gap, particularly for small and standalone stores that have been hit hard.

The expectation is that this year’s festive period will perform better than last year’s, with the main goal being for retail turnover in December to exceed €4.5 billion.

As noted by the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Christmas bonus is expected to play a decisive role in boosting the market, traditionally acting as “warm money” for consumption. The total amount—€1.2 billion last year—is estimated to exceed €1.5 billion this year, due to higher employment and wage increases in the private sector. This sum is expected to cover part of families’ and social needs during the holidays and to provide momentum in the final days of the year, allowing cash registers to close with a modest but positive balance.

At the same time, the chamber adds, the economic environment remains demanding, with average annual inflation estimated at 2.6%. Consumers and merchants alike are trying to balance inflexible expenses with rising prices. Nevertheless, this December—combined with labor market data and disposable income—may offer a small but meaningful respite.

The festive race effectively began in late November with Black Friday, but the most critical period for retail remains the week before Christmas, especially the final weekend, as the Christmas bonus will have been paid. This is when the final turnover will largely be determined. According to estimates, 9 out of 10 consumers are expected to make purchases ranging from €100 to €500, prioritizing clothing and footwear, toys, and technology products, as well as household goods—mainly for family gifts.

At the same time, data show that consumption remains restrained. Since the beginning of the year, retail turnover has increased by about 5%, an increase largely driven by inflation, while sales volume has been lower. Supermarkets and hypermarkets show greater resilience, while e-commerce continues to gain ground, with the value of online purchases exceeding €19 billion. Total retail turnover is estimated to rise from €72 billion last year to €75 billion this year.

This picture is also confirmed by consumer behavior surveys: high prices affect almost everyone, with half of consumers seeking cheaper products and setting strict budgets for holiday shopping, avoiding excesses and turning to discounts.

Within this context, the president of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vassilis Korkidis, notes that the retail sector hopes that, despite difficulties in trade flows and transportation due to farmers’ mobilizations, the festive period can “supplement” the year’s weak purchasing activity. As he emphasizes, a potential de-escalation of the mobilizations could “decentralize” consumption from major urban centers toward the regions, supporting both small and large merchants across the country. After all, December has historically been the month that shapes the final picture of the year.

The same concern is expressed in a statement by the Piraeus Trade Association, which points out that behind the illuminated shop windows lies the daily struggle for survival of thousands of professionals who support employment and local communities. The association’s president, Thodoris Kapralos, stresses that commerce is not asking for “miracles,” but for fairness, stable rules, and a state that treats professionals as partners in development rather than merely as tax subjects.

In any case, the coming days will be decisive. With shops open and the Christmas bonus in consumers’ pockets, this year’s festive December is called upon to confirm—albeit moderately—its role as the most critical month for Greek commerce.

Festive Opening Hours

Athens & Piraeus
Weekdays: 09:00 – 21:00
Saturdays: 09:00 – 16:00
Sundays: 11:00 – 18:00
December 24 & 31: 09:00 – 18:00

Thessaloniki
Weekdays: 10:00 – 21:00
Saturdays: 10:00 – 18:00
Sundays: 11:00 – 18:00
December 24 & 31: 10:00 – 18:00

Note: The opening hours are indicative and optional. Each business may decide within the legal framework (weekdays until 21:00, Sundays 11:00–20:00).

On December 25, 26 and January 1, 2, shops will be closed.