Earliest yet official start to summer sales

THE official summer sales kicked off yesterday, earlier than in any other year, in a response both to the still-sluggish economy but also to the fact the start date had been consistently flouted by some shops in years past.

In previous years, wealthier establishments had ignored the official start date and commenced their sales earlier, despite the fine they subsequently had to pay.

Despite this year’s early kick-off, however, Consumers’ Association President Petros Markou still recommended shoppers exercised “caution and research”, noting “they need to be sure of what the price of the good was before the discounts”.

Acquainting themselves with sales exchange policies ahead of making purchases was also important, he said yesterday.

Shopkeepers, for their part, were divided in their response to the sales. Some were satisfied with the boost in customer numbers; others believed there had been a dearth of information on the discounts.

Owner of Xenopoulos Italian Shoes, Elli Panayiotou, said the sales had drawn a large turnout for her wares. She was echoed by Verde store owner Eudokia Michaelidou, who also credited the spike in purchases to the sunny weather.

Nonetheless, in contrast to last year when “information about the summer sales was broadcast on television, radio and newspapers,” said Mitsigkas store owner Eirini Mitsigka, “this year  … people don’t know that sales have started, therefore they don’t know when to come shopping”.

Shoppers’ reactions to the sales were also mixed.

Katerina, 16, who had bought a pair of sandals for €19, reduced from €24, noted: “I didn’t come for the sales since I didn’t know they had started, but I found the sandal price a bargain”.

Less lucky were a mother and daughter who did not wish to be named, who, despite hearing of the start to sales on TV, found some of the shops they visited offered no price reductions.