Slow but steady start to summer sales in Catalonia

The summer sales began on Friday around Catalonia, although the extreme temperatures meant that a lot of people steered clear of city centers.

In the center of Barcelona, shops reported a steady but slow stream of customers, with fewer people out shopping than on any normal Saturday.

While most shoppers from Catalonia were aware that the sales had started on Friday rather than on July 1, many visitors to the capital only found out by accident.

"We hadn't realised there were sales, but we are now taking advantage," French tourist, Sirine, told the Catalan News Agency. 

With the law no longer restricting shops to starting the sales on July 1, many establishments chose to begin offering discounts on Friday, to take advantage of the weekend.

The advisory council of the Catalan government's retail department also advised beginning the sales on June 28, until Saturday August 31.

Meanwhile, shops have permission to open for promotional purposes on two Sundays during the sales period, which this year will be on June 30 and July 7.