Greek supermarkets and retail stores are gearing up for the final shopping days of the year, with special holiday hours set to accommodate consumers making last-minute purchases for the New Year celebrations. On December 29, 2024, the last Sunday before the New Year, stores will open their doors to shoppers, allowing them to stock up on essentials and festive items.
The holiday hours, as outlined by the Hellenic Retail Association, permit supermarkets to operate from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, letting consumers gather everything they need for their New Year’s Eve gatherings. Regular retail stores, meanwhile, will be open from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM. This extension of shopping hours aims to facilitate increased foot traffic, especially as families prepare for the festivities.
On Monday, December 30, the hours will expand even more, with supermarkets and stores welcoming customers from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The day promises to be busy as many look to complete their holiday shopping list before the New Year.
December 31 marks the final opportunity for shoppers, as stores will operate from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM, just before closing for the New Year’s Day holiday. Come January 1, retailers will be largely closed, resuming normal operations on January 2, when many will remain closed for the day.
With the holiday rush in full swing, consumers are encouraged to shop efficiently. The Ministry of Development is actively monitoring the market to prevent unethical pricing practices, ensuring consumers can enjoy the festive shopping experience without falling prey to inflationary tactics. The public is reminded to do thorough research before making purchases and to stay aware of pricing trends via online consumer observation tools.
Stavros Cafounis, President of the Hellenic Retail Association, expressed optimism about the effects of the holiday shopping season on small and medium enterprises: “We hope the results of the holiday season will be positive for small and medium businesses which need it the most. We want to provide festive environments for consumers to enjoy their shopping experience.”
For those making visits to local supermarkets and stores, knowing the operating hours is integral to planning, especially as the lead-up to New Year’s Eve often sees increased demand for food and beverages. Shoppers should also be conscious of the potential for longer wait times, particularly during the final hours of operation on these key shopping days.
The holiday hours are not just about shopping convenience; they reflect the spirit of the season where communities come together to celebrate. By shopping early and with intention, consumers can enjoy the holiday atmosphere without the last-minute rush.
To summarize the holiday shopping hours until New Year’s 2024:
- December 29: Stores open 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; supermarkets until 8:00 PM.
- December 30: Open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- December 31: Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- January 1: Closed for the New Year’s Day holiday.
- January 2: Closed.
With festivities just around the corner, the time is now to finalize shopping lists and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the season. By keeping track of opening hours and being mindful of shopping habits, consumers can make the most of the last part of the holiday retail period.