Optimistic shopkeepers look forward to the January sales

Barcelona (ACN).- Catalan traders have started their sales campaign on an optimistic note. They plan to sell between 5 and 10% more than they did in December. According to the president of the Chamber of Commerce in Catalonia Miguel Angel Fraile the move will bring about an increase in turnover of between 2 and 6%. He hopes it will make up for December's low consumption level. Although it is not a norm, shopkeepers have been forced to kick off their sales campaign this year with significant discounts of up to 50%. It is however good news for Catalonian consumers who have been saving their pennies especially for the sales. This January, Catalans are expected to spend on average €100 on cloths and €100 on various other products.

Despite the crisis, there is optimism among traders and that was noticeable when the winter sales campaign began last Friday. Speaking at a press conference in Barcelona, the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Catalonia and the Secretary General of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, Miguel Angel Fraile said that 'several factors encourage employers to trust in the success of the campaign'. Most importantly he said, “sales during the month of December and the Christmas season were below trader's expectations”. Fraile attributed this decline to the apprehension and intelligence of consumers who were waiting for the January sales to make their purchases, especially in the case of fashion products and accessories.

The decline in consumption during December has resulted in significant discounts that saw products being marked half price from the very first day of the campaign. Friar said that the stock has increased as employers can not afford to buy new products as it could mean a significant loss in the coming season.

Another factor that should make the January sales a profitable period for traders is the timing. Most people are on a long bank holiday weekend at the moment, something that will give them more time to indulge in some shopping and hunt for the latest bargains. So both traders and consumers appear prepared for what should be a significant period for the 30,000 Catalan stores that will be visited in the next few days.