The holiday shopping season kicks off with extended hours for retailers across Greece as consumers prepare for Christmas and New Year festivities.
Starting from December 12, 2024, stores throughout Athens and Piraeus began operating under revised holiday shopping hours, aligning with the festive shopping atmosphere. Major shopping areas, such as The Mall Athens and Golden Hall, will cater to the increased consumer activity by remaining open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM, with slightly reduced hours on Sundays.
This upcoming Sunday, December 15, 2024, stores will be open from 11 AM to 6 PM, allowing locals ample time to indulge in their holiday shopping. Notably, large malls and department stores will extend their hours to 8 PM, enhancing their availability to shoppers during this peak period.
Several supermarket chains, including Lidl, AB Shop & Go, and OK Markets, have also announced their participation by remaining open for shoppers. Meanwhile, the Skoufas supermarket chain will be closed on December 15, but their Smart Park location will be open from 11 AM to 8 PM.
This year's festive shopping period is particularly pivotal for retailers and consumers alike. Business leaders estimate the retail sector will achieve over 4 billion euros in sales this December. According to Βασίλης Κορκίδης, president of the EBEA, "The Greeks merchants have learned to operate under adverse economic conditions, and through hard work, they will succeed once again this year, even with the still persistent inflation affecting consumer behaviors."
Shoppers can look forward to specific hours in the forthcoming weeks leading up to Christmas. The timetable for week includes:
- December 16: 9 AM - 9 PM
- December 17: 9 AM - 9 PM
- December 18: 9 AM - 9 PM
- December 19: 9 AM - 9 PM
- December 20: 9 AM - 9 PM
- December 21: 9 AM - 9 PM
- December 22: 11 AM - 6 PM
These flexible hours will help consumers cope with their holiday preparations, such as selecting gifts or planning family gatherings.
Imported brands and local businesses alike are gearing up for consumer influxes during two pivotal Sundays: December 22 and 29, which are traditionally busy days leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. On these days, stores will also run on the updated Sunday hours of 11 AM to 6 PM. Businesses are optimistic about these weekends as they anticipate substantial sales, incentivizing them to provide options for holiday shoppers.
Noteworthy is the adherence to local regulations which allow stores to open on these Sunday holiday periods. This has sparked discussions among business owners about the economic benefits of extended operating hours.
December 24, Christmas Eve, marks another key date on the calendar, where stores will operate from 9 AM to 6 PM. Consumer engagement is expected to be high, as last-minute shoppers look for perfect gifts.
Due to the public holidays, stores will close on December 25 and 26 as well as January 1, which marks the New Year. The holiday season will conclude with some stores resuming regular hours on January 2, just after the festivities have subsided.
Retail experts underline the significance of these hours for maximizing year-end profits amid challenging economic conditions. With competition at every corner, retailers are doing their best to create appealing environments for shoppers, reflecting the shifting trends of consumer preferences.
On the legislative front, the government has mandated stricter regulations for operations on Sundays. Following the debate, many shopping centers have opted for voluntary participation, allowing them to decide their store hours based on anticipated foot traffic.
Shopping habits continue to evolve. The market is increasingly adapting to the needs of consumers and seasonal trends, creating environments where shoppers feel at ease during their holiday shopping expeditions.
The holiday shopping hours for 2024 are set to significantly influence consumer behavior this festive period. While retailers are poised for increased foot traffic, shoppers are gearing up to take full advantage of the festive hours to create memorable holiday experiences.
