Retailers across Greece kicked off extended Easter shopping hours on Thursday, making it easier for consumers to make holiday purchases after work.
The seasonal schedule, proposed by commercial associations in Athens and Thessaloniki, is designed to accommodate increased demand in the days leading up to Easter — one of the most important holidays in the country.
Extended Hours Ahead of Easter
From Monday through Thursday of Holy Week, the period leading up to Easter, stores are expected to operate on a continuous schedule from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., allowing shoppers more time to prepare for the celebrations.
On Good Friday, shops will open later, typically from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. On the day before Easter Sunday, stores will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving consumers a final opportunity for last-minute purchases.
As is customary, all retail stores will remain closed on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
Palm Sunday Marks Peak Shopping Day
A key moment in the holiday shopping period is Palm Sunday, one of the busiest retail days of the Easter season, which falls on April 5 this year. On that day, stores will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
