On Sunday, December 22, 2024, many stores across Greece will open their doors for the holiday shopping season, providing consumers with the chance to pick up last-minute Christmas gifts. This day is significant as it is one of the rare Sundays when most shops operate, encouraging festive consumer outreach.
According to current regulations, retail stores will be open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, whereas shopping malls will extend their hours until 8:00 PM. Supermarkets will also adjust their hours to cater to the increased shopping demand, ensuring access to essentials and seasonal delights.
The holiday shopping hours for key supermarket chains on December 22nd are as follows:
- Σκλαβενίτης: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- ΑΒ Βασιλόπουλος: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Market IN: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- My Market: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (some locations closing as early as 4:00 PM)
- Γαλαξίας: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (some may open as early as 9:00 AM)
- LIDL: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Μασούτης: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Κρητικός: Operating hours vary; some stores open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, others from 9:00 AM to 2:00/3:00 PM
This holiday's opening hours set the tone for the festive shopping experience, marking what many hope will be successful sales. The stores will operate on this adjusted schedule, which is implemented to maximize public convenience during the busy festive period.
The following days will see additional changes to operating hours:
- Saturday, December 21: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Monday, December 23: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, December 25: Closed for Christmas
- Thursday, December 26: Closed for Christmas
- Friday, December 27: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday, December 28: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday, December 29: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Monday, December 30: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Tuesday, December 31 (New Year's Eve): 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, January 1: Closed for New Year
- Thursday, January 2: Closed
From January 3, 2025, shops will revert to their standard operating hours, as noted. Throughout this festive period, retailers expect to see increased foot traffic and higher sales volume, with anticipation mounting around the types of gifts consumers will seek.
Historically, consumers have gravitated toward clothing, accessories, toys, and cosmetics as popular gift categories during the Christmas season. This year, merchants are optimistic, hoping to surpass last year's turnover, eyeing figures above 4 billion euros.
There are stipulations for employees working on Sundays. According to the law, if workers are employed on Sunday, they are entitled to receive compensation of 1/25 of their monthly wage, plus a 75% increase for hours worked over five. The flexibility of store operation on Sundays is optional, allowing business owners to make the choice to serve customers during peak shopping times.
Remarkably, the regulatory framework allows for certain areas, particularly tourist-heavy locales, to operate shops on Sundays starting from May through October, fostering commercial growth and catering to tourist needs.
The strategic planning around holiday hours aims to balance consumer convenience with labor rights, enabling residents and visitors alike to partake fully in the festive shopping atmosphere across Greece.
With these operational hours firmly set, December 22nd offers everyone the opportunity to join the holiday cheer, make cherished purchases, and enjoy the spirit of Christmas shopping.
