Greek retail stores and supermarkets are gearing up for the holiday season with adjusted operating hours to accommodate shoppers. For consumers eager to complete their last-minute holiday purchases, the stores have announced their festive schedules effective until January 2, 2025.
Town centers and supermarkets across Greece will be open on Sunday, December 29, 2024, allowing customers to shop for festive supplies and gifts. Specific operating hours for the coming days are as follows:
Saturday, December 28, 2024: Most stores will be open from 09:00 to 18:00, with many supermarkets extending their hours until 20:00.
Sunday, December 29, 2024: Retail shops will operate from 11:00 to 18:00, with large department stores and supermarkets maintaining hours until 20:00.
Monday, December 30, 2024: Stores will have extended hours from 09:00 to 21:00, providing ample time for last-minute gift shoppers.
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 (New Year's Eve): Shops will remain open from 09:00 to 18:00.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025: Retail stores will be closed due to the holiday.
Thursday, January 2, 2025: Retail establishments will also remain closed.
Shopping centers and large department stores have directly adjusted their hours to serve the holiday demand, with many expected to operate until late on December 30. For example, The Mall Athens, Golden Hall, and similar establishments will function until 21:00 on New Year's Eve.
Authorities, including the Commercial Association of Athens, are routinely monitoring compliance with consumer rights and price regulation. Continuous checks are being conducted to prevent unfair practices, such as misleading price discounts, leaving consumers with options to shop confidently.
Local associations encourage shoppers to utilize platforms like e-Καταναλωτής for price comparison and awareness of promotions, especially during this peak season.
With Christmas past and New Year fast approaching, this Sunday is particularly significant for consumers taking advantage of sales and offers. Retailers are reminded to confirm their specific operating hours as they may vary by location or chain.
The Commercial Association of Thessaloniki has announced similar timings for outlets and has emphasized maintaining festive shopping hours as set out:
- Saturday, December 28, 2024: 09:00 - 21:00
- Sunday, December 29, 2024: 11:00 - 18:00
- Monday, December 30, 2024: 09:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday, December 31, 2024: 09:00 - 18:00
- Wednesday, January 1, 2025: Closed
- Thursday, January 2, 2025: Closed
This holiday season presents opportunities for shoppers to procure all essentials for their New Year’s celebrations, including items for festive dinners and last-minute gift purchases. Shoppers are reminded to confirm the exact operating hours of their preferred stores to avoid any inconvenience.
Grocery chains such as Σκλαβενίτης, ΑΒ Βασιλόπουλος, and others reaffirm their commitment to keeping stores open during designated holiday hours to provide ease of shopping. Customers should anticipate longer hours during peak demand and plan their visits accordingly.
This Sunday marks the last major shopping day before New Year’s festivities commence. The collective focus is to provide seamless retail experiences to consumers as they shop for gifts and provisions highlighted by attractive deals, making it more than just another shopping day.
While many businesses will observe closures on January 1 and January 2, the holiday season facilitates longer shopping hours up until the New Year, allowing consumers to prepare adequately.
Retailers across the islands, such as Crete, are also set to follow similar protocols, ensuring shopping convenience for residents and tourists alike. The holiday shopping period is particularly important for specific island economies reliant on tourism.
For clarity, it’s worth mentioning the legal obligations businesses have concerning Sunday openings. Many retailers operate on Sundays based on consumer demand, and employees working during this time are entitled to additional compensation per labor laws.
Overall, consumers are advised to stay informed about their local stores' hours and any specific policies promoting consumer rights as the holiday shopping season reaches its height. With festive sales and extended hours, shoppers have the opportunity to make their New Year celebrations memorable.
