Six in 10 Gümülcine businesses report weaker summer sales than last year
A survey by the Gümülcine Commercial Association found that 57.5% of local businesses recorded lower sales during this year's summer discount period, as consumers faced tighter household budgets and increasingly prioritized cheaper products over quality.
The summer sales season in Gümülcine ended with weaker-than-expected results for a majority of local businesses, according to a survey published by the Gümülcine Commercial Association.
The findings reflect broader pressures affecting Greece's retail sector, with businesses in Rhodope reporting lower sales, reduced customer traffic and limited consumer spending compared with the same period last year.
According to the survey, 57.5% of participating businesses recorded lower sales during this year's summer discount period. Only around one in 10 businesses reported an increase in turnover, and even in those cases, the increase did not exceed 10%.
Among businesses that experienced declining sales, 53% reported a decrease of up to 10%, highlighting the relatively modest but widespread deterioration in retail performance.
Consumers prioritize lower prices
Speaking to Radio Paratiritis 94 FM, Gümülcine Commercial Association President Kiki Konstantinidou attributed the weaker performance primarily to declining disposable income.
According to Konstantinidou, a growing share of household budgets is being directed toward essential goods and other immediate needs, leaving consumers with less money for retail purchases.
The pressure on household finances has also changed consumer behavior. Price is increasingly taking priority over product quality, as shoppers become more cautious about their spending.
At the same time, rising operating costs are adding further pressure to local businesses and making it more difficult for retailers to absorb weaker demand.
Four in 10 businesses report lower foot traffic
Customer traffic was another weak point during the summer sales period. Four in 10 businesses reported fewer customers than last year.
Konstantinidou linked the decline partly to limited tourism activity and partly to changing household spending priorities. According to her assessment, retail purchases are taking up a smaller share of family budgets, with consumers allocating more of their disposable income to other needs and activities, including entertainment.
July was identified as the month with the strongest sales activity by four in 10 businesses. Konstantinidou suggested that some consumers used the beginning of the discount period to purchase specific items they needed before reducing their spending later in the season.
White Night scheduled for September 25
The next major event for the Gümülcine retail market will be the city's White Night, scheduled for September 25.
The Komotini Commercial Association is planning more than 10 stages and activities throughout the commercial center in an effort to attract visitors and boost traffic to local stores.
Several businesses are also expected to offer discounts on new autumn merchandise from the upcoming season.
Konstantinidou said the objective is to increase activity in the local market, attract residents and visitors and encourage consumers to support local businesses.
Retailers seek government support
Local business owners are also closely watching the measures expected to be announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair.
The Gümülcine Commercial Association is calling for measures aimed at strengthening small and medium-sized businesses, including the abolition of the business activity tax, the introduction of protected bank accounts for professionals and an increase in the tax-free income threshold.
According to Konstantinidou, however, the most pressing need for local businesses remains improved liquidity, as retailers continue to face rising operating costs and weaker consumer demand.
