Christmas period opening hours for commercial shops will begin on Thursday, December 12.
According to the festival hours, the shops will be open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and on Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Wich Sunday will the shops be open?
On Sunday 15 December, 22 December and 29 December the shops will also be open. Optional store opening hours for Sunday are from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
The shops will be closed on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December as well as Wednesday 1 January and Thursday 2 January.
We inform you that the following are the opening hours of the commercial shops proposed by the Chamber of Commerce of Athens for the period of the Christmas Festival 2024:
THURSDAY 12/12/24 09:00-21:00
Friday 13/12/24 09:00-21:00
Saturday 14/12/24 09:00-18:00
Sunday 15/12/24 11:00-18:00
Monday 16/12/24 09:00-21:00
TUESDAY 17/12/24 09:00-21:00
Wednesday 18/12/24 09:00-21:00
THURSDAY 19/12/24 09:00-21:00
Friday 20/12/24 09:00-21:00
saturday 21/12/24 09:00-18:00
Sunday 22/12/24 11:00-18:00
Monday 23/12/24 09:00-21:00
TUESDAY 24/12/24 09:00-18:00
Friday 27/12/24 09:00-21:00
Saturday 28/12/24 09:00-18:00
Sunday 29/12/24 11:00-18:00
Monday 30/12/24 09:00-21:00
TUESDAY 31/12/24 09:00-18:00
– How can shoppers avoid crowds during the holiday shopping period?
Interview with retail Expert on Christmas Period Opening Hours
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, dr.Elena Papadopoulos, a retail industry expert. With the Christmas shopping season approaching,can you give us an overview of the commercial shop opening hours in Athens this year?
Dr. Elena Papadopoulos (E.P.): Thank you for having me. This year, the Christmas period opening hours for shops in athens will begin on Thursday, December 12, and they will stay open through the festive season.Shops will operate daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Importantly, consumers can also expect select Sunday openings, on December 15, 22, and 29, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
TNE: That sounds convenient for shoppers. Are there any key closures that customers should be aware of during this period?
E.P.: Yes, absolutely. During this festive season, shops will be closed on December 25 and December 26, as well as January 1 and 2. It’s crucial for shoppers to plan accordingly, as many might want to get those post-Christmas deals.
TNE: Given these holiday hours, what can shoppers expect in terms of crowds and stock availability?
E.P.: With extended hours, we can anticipate a spike in foot traffic, especially on weekends and during the Sundays mentioned. Retailers often ramp up stock in preparation for the holiday rush, but it’s best for shoppers to think ahead—especially for popular items—since certain products may sell out quickly, particularly in the week leading up to Christmas.
TNE: What strategies would you recommend for consumers hoping to make the most of the Christmas shopping experience?
E.P.: To maximize the holiday shopping experience, I suggest planning your shopping trips strategically. try to visit stores during off-peak hours—early mornings or late evenings—if possible. Additionally, making a list of items you are looking for can prevent time wasted wandering through crowded aisles. Shoppers should also take advantage of extended hours on weekdays and the specified Sundays to avoid the largest crowds.
TNE: Excellent advice! What impact are these extended hours likely to have on local businesses?
E.P.: Extended hours can substantially benefit local retailers by increasing sales opportunities during a critical shopping period. However, it’s essential for businesses to manage staffing efficiently to handle the increased workload while maintaining customer service quality. Retailers also need to be aware of the importance of online engagement, as many consumers will research or even shop online to save time amid their busy schedules.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Papadopoulos, for your insights on this year’s Christmas shopping hours. As we approach the season, it’s clear that both consumers and retailers have an exciting period ahead!
E.P.: Thank you! Happy holidays to everyone. Remember, planning and flexibility can make a notable difference in the shopping experience during this festive time.
