The winter sales, which end on Thursday, February 29, entered their final stretch, with shopping traffic in stores moving at sluggish rates.
The 2024 Winter Sale premiered on Monday, January 8, earlier than in previous years, while the shops opened for the first time on two Sundays in January, with the shopping traffic remaining at low levels in the market of Patras.
According to traders, the consumer public made purchases of lower value this yearas accuracy in all food items in supermarkets now absorbs a large part of the monthly income.
Aggregate data shows that three out of five businesses in January showed a drop in turnoverwith merchants holding small basket.
According to president of the Federation of Trade and Entrepreneurship of Peloponnese, SW Greece and the Ionian Islands, George Vagenasthe fall in turnover of winter sales is estimated at a rate of more than 40% compared to the corresponding period last year. “The percentage is incredible. We are even talking regarding stores with almost zero turnover both in January and February” said Giorgos Vagenas.
Yes, the matter will be discussed with a proposal of the same in the ESEE council next weekas well as the revision of the date of the winter sales, so that the period does not coincide with a short distance from the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The image of poverty in the market was also confirmed by member of the Trade Association of Patras, Yiannis Roupaswho stated at “Peloponnisos” newspaper that, with the exception of the last week of January when traffic was increased due to salary and pension payments, this year’s sales have not performed as expected.
Inflationary trends have forced consumers to spend most of their household income on basic necessities. “In my opinion, no significant changes in consumer sentiment are expected until the end of the month. We are now pinning our hopes on the stimulation of the market during the carnival season” said Yiannis Roupas.
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