When do the summer sales start and how long will they last?

According to article 15 of law 4177/2013, the regular summer sales (summer sales 2024) will start, as every year, on the second Monday of July, i.e. 8 July.

The discount season will last until Saturday 31 August.

The legislation states that shops may open on the first Sunday at the beginning of the sales period.

According to the legislation, shops will be open on Sunday 14 July 2024.

During the sales period, consumers should pay particular attention to the following points:

Stores must publicise the availability of discounts during the sales period

1. The double price, i.e. the original price (usually crossed out) and the new price of the products sold at a discount, must be indicated in visible places in the shop and in any case at the points where the products are displayed.
2. The indication of the discount percentage is not mandatory and it is at the discretion of the establishment whether or not to indicate a percentage. If the business indicates a percentage, it must be stated that it is a discount (e.g. "30% off").
3. There should be no confusion between discounts and promotions. Discounts relate to seasonal products, whereas promotional offers, especially high ones, often relate to outdated products.
4. Campaigns should be signposted that discounts are being offered. The products must bear the original price and the promotional price (not the discount percentage). Attention! Discounts usually indicate that no changes have been made, so if you regret it, you cannot change it.
5. Pay particular attention to stores that advertise a large discount on one or more of their products. This does not mean that other types of stores are cheaper than other similar types of stores.
6. Find out the details and terms and conditions of your transaction when purchasing products in instalments.
7. Do not hesitate to be fully informed about the origin and quality of the products. The seller must provide the consumer with all the information about the product in accordance with Article 1 of Law 2251/94 before making the purchase.
8. Ask the traders if changes have been made to the products they sell at the time of sale. Traders are obliged to replace defective products purchased during the sales period, unless the product was presented due to a specific defect and the consumer was informed with a relevant sign before purchase.
9. Ask for a receipt, as this is the only way to prove the purchase in the event of a defective product.
10. Ask for the instructions for use of the product and the terms of warranty in Greek.