Retail sector turnover surpasses last year's figures, to reach an estimated 4 bln in December alone

The performance and turnover of the retail sector for 2023 culminates during the ongoing festive season, when it is expected to exceed 4 bln in the month of December alone, it was reported on Saturday.

With a provisional opening schedule from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm for most shops, extended to 08:00 pm for larger franchises and shopping malls every day so far this week including Sunday, New Year's Eve, Greece's retail sector is estimated to surpass 2022's 3.8 bln euros in turnover. Clothing, shoes, toys, personal beauty products and electronic devices large and small seem to be the most popular choices for yet another year in 2023.

Specifically, the turnover of very small commercial enterprises per quarter has increased by 2%, while that of medium-sized enterprises by over 4%, according to retail sector data released by ELSTAT, Greece's statistics agency.

Winter sales for 2024 are to begin on January 8 right through to the end of February, with shops expected to stay open on the first Sunday of the winter sales on January 14.