Sales begin in Sardinia, with €32 million in cash in the south of the island.

The winter sales also start in Sardinia on Saturday, January 3rd, and in the south of the island, the count is already done.

The discount season will generate a total of over 32 million euros, a significant figure that, however, reflects a resilience rather than a true recovery in consumption.

The figure, estimated by the Confcommercio Sud Sardegna Research Center, is in fact similar to last year's, with a slight decline that signals a cautious market, held back by the advance purchases that took place in November.

Approximately 159,000 families will take advantage of the discounts, with an average household spending just over €200. Looking at individual consumers, the budget drops to €92, slightly lower than the previous year. A clear signal: the sales remain a key event, but they no longer mean unrestrained shopping.

Black Week had a decisive impact, shifting a significant portion of purchases forward.

"The emerging picture is one of substantial stability," explains Giuseppe Scura, director of Confcommercio Sud Sardegna, "but it's clear that November's promotions have brought forward many spending decisions. Today, sales aren't about buying superfluous items, but about satisfying concrete needs."

The Christmas holidays nevertheless supported sales , above all thanks to the growth of “useful” gifts, now preferred to impulse purchases.

In this scenario, protections for buyers remain central. During sales, exchanges are not automatic and depend on the retailer's availability, unless the product is defective or non-compliant: in which case the guarantees provided by the Consumer Code apply.

Trying on items is not mandatory, but electronic payments must be accepted. Finally, discounts must apply to seasonal merchandise, and prices displayed must clearly indicate the original cost, the percentage reduction, and the final price.

(Unioneonline/Fr.Me.)