January sales officially start tomorrow, but most retailers have already reduced prices

SALES have started early this year across many parts of Spain – even though they do not officially kick off until tomorrow (Tuesday).

Some regions decided to begin the winter sales period – which runs until March 1 – the day after the bank holiday for New Year's Day in a bid to increase profits, given that the period leading up to Twelfth Night, or the Three Kings, is peak shopping time as families and friends buy each other presents.

Certain shops, particularly large department stores and high-street chains, chose to start their sales even earlier, on December 23, to capture customers buying presents for Christmas Eve, but these are still few and far between.

That said, fewer retailers than ever are waiting until tomorrow to begin their sales, realising that shoppers will be feeling the pinch after the festive season and be less likely to make unnecessary purchases.

This means they are less likely to make a profit from the sales or be able to shift end-of-line stock.

Discounts at the start of the sales are at around 60 per cent off the usual retail price – further bargains are likely to be available with up to 80 per cent off in some cases nearer the end of the sales period.

Consumer organisations have recommended shoppers avoid impulse buys, as they can end up spending far more than they would the rest of the year because they are seduced by bargains.

They warn that items on sale should be those which were previously retailed at full price, and in the same excellent condition.

Lower prices must not mean lower quality and, although refunds and credit notes may be restricted for items bought in the sales, other purchasing terms should not change – if a shop normally accepts credit card payments, for example, it cannot insist upon cash only in the sales.

The original retail price should be clearly displayed next to the sale price, by law.

Last year, Spain's government allowed all retailers free rein to decide when to hold sales throughout the year, rather than restricting them to set periods after Christmas and in summer, in an attempt to boost business on the high street.

It also permitted shops in touristy areas to open whenever they wanted, including Sundays and public holidays, and encouraged them to open over the lunchtime period.

But most shops still continue to adhere to the original sales seasons and traditional opening hours, remaining closed on Sundays and bank holidays and between lunchtime and early evening.