The holiday season is upon us, and as Christmas approaches, retailers across Greece are gearing up for what is expected to be another year of increased consumer spending. According to multiple reports, the festive spirit is palpable, and with only days left until the big day, shoppers are flocking to stores for last-minute purchases.
This year, the operating hours for retail stores leading up to Christmas have been announced, with significant variations between different cities. Retailers are set to keep their doors open longer to accommodate the surge of holiday shoppers.
On Monday, December 23, stores will be open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The following day, on Christmas Eve, outlets will operate from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Notably, both Christmas Day (December 25) and the day after (December 26) will see all shops closed as per the national holiday practices. On December 27, stores will resume regular festive hours, once again operating from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Specifically, consumers can expect the following festive hours across major Greek cities:
- Athens:
- December 23: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- December 24: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- December 25: Closed
- December 26: Closed
- December 27: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- December 28: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- December 29: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- December 30: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- December 31: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- January 1: Closed
- January 2: Closed
- Thessaloniki:
- December 23: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- December 24: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- December 25: Closed
- December 26: Closed
- December 27: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- December 28: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- December 29: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- December 30: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- December 31: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- January 1: Closed
- January 2: Closed
- Piraeus:
- December 23: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- December 24: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- December 25: Closed
- December 26: Closed
- December 27: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- December 28: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- December 29: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- December 30: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- December 31: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- January 1: Closed
- January 2: Closed
Supermarkets are also expected to operate under special holiday hours, with major chains setting schedules from early morning until late evening on December 23 and 24. On Christmas Day and the following day, all supermarkets will remain closed, allowing time for employees to enjoy the holidays.
According to the Athens Chamber of Commerce, "Eager consumers are flocking to stores for last-minute holiday shopping," reflecting the heightened demand as families prepare for the festive season. The mood among retailers is optimistic; they are hopeful for strong sales, with the potential for boosting local economies during this vibrant time.
This holiday season marks not only the festivities but also the resilience of the retail industry, where the expectation of support from local consumers plays a pivotal role. Whether shopping for decorations, food, or gifts, it seems likely many will flock to their local stores to partake in the traditions of giving and celebrating.
Looking beyond the Christmas holidays, business owners are preparing to welcome New Year shoppers, with some stores opening on December 30 and again on January 3 as the country shifts back to normal operating hours.
With hours clearly stated, shoppers are encouraged to plan their visits to avoid the last-minute rush before they close for Christmas. So as decorations twinkle, it’s time to hit the stores and enjoy the festive spirit before the holidays hit!
