Mid-season sales will open on Friday and run until Saturday, May 10, with the option for store owners to stay open on Sunday, May 4 too.

According to a new law, stores during the two main sales and two mid-season sales annually may stay open the first Sunday of each sales period.

Those who choose to open on May 4, can do so for a maximum period of 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

However, the Athens Merchants Assocation proposed that store owners in the capital operate their stores from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m., as the “3rd Half-Marathon of Athens” will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The success of the event will contribute to promoting the image of the city and its market, it said, in its announcement.

Employees of commerce sector to hold a 24-hour strike on Sunday

The Federation of Private Employees will go on a 24-hour strike on .Sunday protesting against the opening of retail stores seven Sundays a year.

According to the federation thousands of employees who were forced to worked on previous Sundays are not paid yet or they haven’t taken the day off in exchange for their services.

Employees are expected to participate in a rally at The Mall Athens in Maroussi, northern Athens, at 11 a.m. on Sunday.