One chance a festive walk people to be found in Athens today Sunday, december 15 because the shops are open from 11:00 in the morning until 18:00 in the afternoon.
In the center of Athens there is a flood of people with Ermou, but also other commercial streets are full of people strolling and shopping for Christmas. Accordingly, some local markets are also crowded today.
Most shops will close at 18:00,but malls and department stores such as The Mall Athens,Golden Hall,Designer Outlet athens,Attica and others will remain open until 20:00 in the evening.
Watch a video from downtown Athens:
Supermarket opening hours today
Although many supermarkets are choosing not to operate today, some Lidl stores, as well as AB Shop & Go and OK Markets, will be open. It is recommended that you contact your local store to confirm hours as there is no ‘rule’.
Sklavenitis has announced that it will remain closed on Sunday, December 15, except for the store in the Smart Park Business Park (Spata) which will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Christmas schedule in detail
Sunday 15 December 11:00-18:00
Monday 16 December 09:00-21:00
Tuesday 17 December 09:00-21:00
Wednesday 18 December 09:00-21:00
What are the key factors influencing holiday shopping trends in Athens this year?
Interview with Retail Expert on Holiday Shopping Trends in Athens
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Eleni Konstantinou, a retail expert who has been analyzing consumer behavior in Athens, particularly during the holiday season. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Konstantinou.
Dr. Konstantinou: Thank you for having me! It’s a bustling time in Athens with the holiday spirit in the air.
Editor: Indeed! As mentioned in our recent article, many Athens shops are open today, December 15, from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Could you explain why this special Sunday opening is particularly significant for local retailers?
Dr. Konstantinou: Absolutely! December is a crucial month for retailers, and this Sunday provides an excellent chance for merchants to capitalize on foot traffic. With the holiday shopping rush, the extended hours allow consumers to enjoy a festive walk through busy streets like Ermou, making it easier to shop for Christmas gifts while soaking in the holiday atmosphere.
Editor: It sounds like the atmosphere is vibrant! The article mentions crowded local markets and shopping areas. What can you tell us about the consumer behavior trends you’re observing this season?
Dr.Konstantinou: This season, we’re witnessing a strong trend of consumers seeking experiences rather than just products. Shoppers are not only buying gifts but also looking to engage in the holiday spirit, which includes enjoying the surroundings and socializing with friends and family. This is evident in the crowded streets and local markets, which are popular gathering spots during the festive season.
Editor: Interesting! Our article highlights that some smaller retailers are closing today, while places like The Mall Athens and Designer Outlet remain open until 8:00 PM. How does this disparity in opening hours affect consumer choices?
Dr. Konstantinou: The variation in opening hours substantially influences consumer behavior.Malls and large department stores in Athens typically provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ experience with extended hours to accommodate late shoppers. in contrast, smaller shops might miss out on after-hours traffic, which impacts their sales. Additionally, consumers frequently enough prefer malls during the festive seasons for their variety and festive decorations, so this could lead to increased competition between different retail formats.
Editor: Speaking of competition, the article also notes that some supermarkets will be open today, while others, like Sklavenitis, are closed. How should consumers approach grocery shopping during the holidays?
Dr. Konstantinou: It’s vital for consumers to plan ahead during the holidays. With varying opening hours, shoppers should verify their local grocery store’s schedule before heading out. For those planning holiday meals or last-minute shopping, utilizing stores like Lidl and AB Shop & Go today could alleviate some stress, as they offer convenient options for last-minute grocery needs.
Editor: Great advice! Lastly, what recommendations do you have for retailers looking to optimize their holiday sales during this busy season?
Dr. Konstantinou: Retailers should ensure they are visible and inviting—both in-store and online.Engaging with customers via social media can drive foot traffic, and promoting any unique offerings or special discounts will catch shoppers’ attention. Additionally, creating a cheerful shopping environment will enhance customer experiences, which is essential for repeat business.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Konstantinou, for your valuable insights and advice! It’s clear that this holiday season presents both challenges and opportunities for retailers in Athens.We hope our readers take your expert advice to heart as they shop during this festive period.
Dr. Konstantinou: thank you for having me! Happy holiday shopping, everyone!