Winter sales have officially kicked off in Venice, marking another year of enticing discounts for fashion lovers hoping to snag their favorite items at more affordable prices. Beginning on December 4, the historical center of Venice is adorned with signs enticing passersby to take advantage of the sales, offering coveted clothing, accessories, makeup, and fragrances. With discounts as high as 50% at some stores, many are eager to shop after the holiday season.
Consumers can expect to see various price reductions advertised prominently, which seems to offer some relief after the often-heavy expense of Christmas spending. Interestingly, the hustle and bustle traditionally associated with sales has significantly dwindled compared to past years, primarily due to year-round promotions and pre-sales leading up to the official starting date.
“It was a very slow morning. We were just ‘working’ lightly. But there has been some movement,” reflect Ursula Meneghel and Giorgia Mazzucco from the boutique Fratelli Rossetti, speaking on the sales' kickoff day. They noted the store had initiated pre-sales earlier this month. "Our registered customers received notifications and chose to come here. Many have already done their shopping,” they added. The shop offers discounts of up to 30%, with roughly half of the showcased merchandise included.
Notably, certain high-end brands remain unchanged during this sale period, disappointing many who hoped for significant cuts on luxury items. For example, at Linassi, another longstanding clothing shop, discounts reach up to 50%, though most items have about 20% to 30% off. “This year has been much stronger for us than last year, which was already good,” said Matteo Linassi. He notes, “While over the years, the experience of shopping during the sale season has transformed, we’ve seen our sales increase each season.”
The impact of the pandemic continues to linger, shaping how consumers approach shopping. Linassi reflects, “When Venetians come here, they tell us to keep strong. The pandemic spared us due to their support. I wish they would not flee the city and there be ways to keep them here.” This sentiment speaks to the underlying concern of maintaining local clientele and the unique Venetian culture as shopping habits evolve.
While the approach to winter sales has morphed with the changing times, it remains evident how integral these sales are to not just consumer satisfaction but also the vitality of local business. Observing more local residents participating this year indicates hope for economic resilience.
This winter season, shoppers may find themselves balancing the traditional joys of sales with modern conveniences like online shopping and pre-season sales. The voices of shop owners echo their adaptation to these realities, seeking to create enticing experiences amid fluctuated consumer behaviors.