The turnover of the Easter market is expected to increase, even with inflation, compared to previous years, both in food markets and in commercial stores.
This is noted in a statement by the president of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Regional Chamber Council of AtticaVassilis Korkidisregarding the estimates and expectations of this year’s Easter market in the Basin of Attica and the Argosaronic Islands.
As he reports, the increased shopping traffic, in view of Easter, is expected to bring the “resurrection” to the entire Greek market for retail trade after, in fact, a two-month sluggish period that followed this year’s winter sales. Despite the fact that the Easter market is short in duration, it is nevertheless quite intense in turnover and volume of work, both in the food sector, due to the Easter table, and in many other retail sectors, due to the traditional gifts.
He adds that, “taking into account last year’s initial misgivings about limited consumption due to the prolonged accuracy, which were not confirmed, this year’s turnover is expected to be, even if inflationary, increased compared to previous years, both in the local food markets, and in the shops of Attica. Parents and godparents, like every year, this year as well, will meet their family and social obligations in a dignified way, buying the established Easter gifts for children and baptisms.
Regarding the two “Easter baskets” of the Ministry of Development, which have been activated (from April 22 the Godfather’s Basket and from today the Easter Basket), as he notes “they did their job well last year, since they worked proactively to contain prices , increasing competition between businesses for the benefit of consumers and they are expected to do the same this year.” It is reminded that the “Easter Basket” includes lamb, goat, bun, chocolate eggs and similar products. Accordingly, the “Godparents’ Basket” includes 12 categories of products including candles, baby and children’s toys, chocolate eggs and other related products.
More generally, as it states, the Easter festive turnover, including travel and catering and accommodation services, which will be reflected in the May statistics, is almost certain to exceed last year’s 1.5 billion euros, since, this year, the Greek Easter is essentially within the summer tourist season and the increased tourist traffic from abroad should be taken into account with “imported consumption”. In the central markets of Attica, sales, during M. Week, are expected to improve, while the traffic in the shops will be felt with the start of the extended holiday hours from tomorrow, Thursday, April 25.
Regarding the Easter gift, the president emphasizes that the Easter market, as is known, “resurrects” with the payment of the Easter gift, which, after the increase in the minimum wage and employment in the private sector, will exceed 1 billion this year . euros, while it should be paid by the companies to the employees by M. Wednesday, May 1st. This, however, does not mean that it cannot be deposited in the bank accounts of the employees a little earlier, so that the proper Easter shopping can begin even earlier.
The market expects to absorb a large part of the Easter gift and, combined with wage increases, it is hoped that consumers will be affected as little as possible by the precision in food and, above all, the “arrow” which, again this year, is observed in prices to move upwards, both due to production costs for farmers and the reduction of livestock. It is a fact that food inflation is currently at a high of 5.4%, however, compared to the corresponding period last year, it has de-escalated, giving a little breather to the family budget.
For “Easter in the village”, Mr. Korkidis notes that it is expensive again this year, due to the increase in fuel prices, as well as air and ferry tickets. A fact that worries, but does not seem to stop the residents of Lekanopedi from the big exit, according to the increased bookings of tickets from the port of Piraeus, to every island destination.
He adds, “Despite, therefore, the many changes in consumption habits, mainly due to the precision in food, the few-day Easter escapes to villages, islands and cottages will not be limited. The Easter exit to nearby destinations is expected, this year, to be larger and more promising, since it will also stimulate the regional markets of the holiday destinations of Attica and the Argosaronic islands”.
It is a fact, continues the president, that we are going through a period with tensions and wars around us, in which the whole world is in great need to feel better and improve its mental mood. Accordingly, and the people of the market, we have the need of the cheerful consumer with the cheapest prices. We believe, therefore, that together we will manage to spend, on the one hand, these Holy days with reverence and, on the other hand, to enjoy our Orthodox Easter.
The Easter basket is valid from today
It is recalled that from today, April 24, 2024 until May 4, 2024, the “Easter Basket” comes into force, while it is recalled that it remains in effect until May 4 is also the “Lent Basket”.
It is noted that the “Easter Basket” is an extension of the “Household Basket”, as four food categories are added, in order to constitute an additional outlet for consumers. The “Easter Basket” includes the following products: Lamb, goat, bun and Easter chocolate eggs and related products.
It is recalled that the list of already existing products in the “Household Basket” is as follows:
1 Rice
2 Bread for toast
3 Loaf of bread (standard/packaged)
4 toasts
5 Spaghetti No. 6
6 All purpose flour
7 Legumes (lentils)
8 Legumes (beans)
9 Legumes (chickpeas)
10 Paris
11 Turkey (cold cuts)
12 Frozen fish
13 Fresh pork (packaged or not)
14 Fresh chicken (packaged or not)
15 Fresh beef (packaged or not)
16 Fresh whole milk
17 Fresh low-fat milk
18 Highly pasteurized milk (long shelf life) whole
19 Highly pasteurized (long-life) low-fat milk
20 Evaporated milk
21 Unflavored cow’s milk yogurt
22 Unflavored low-fat cow’s milk yogurt
23 Sliced feta cheese
24 White cheese
25 Gouda cheese
26 Low-fat cheese
27 Preserved tomato juice
28 Eggs (cage and barn)
29 Margarines
30 Olive oil
31 Sunflower oil
32 Frozen vegetables (at least two of peas, okra, green beans)
33 White sugar
34 Sweeteners suitable for diabetics
35 Oat products (at least one)
36 Baby cream
37 Infant milk
38 Greek coffee
39 Instant coffee
40 French coffee
41 Orange juice
42 Laundry detergents (liquid and powder – not tablets)
43 Detergents for mopping and cleaning surfaces – bleaches
44 Dishwashing detergents for hand washing
45 Kitchen paper
46 Toilet paper
47 Toothpastes
48 Sanitary napkins or tampons
49 Shampoo
50 Soaps in solid state
51 Incontinence diapers
52 Diapers for babies
53 Baby wipes
54 Baby shampoo
55 Dog food
56 Foods for cats
The following products have been included in the “Lent Basket”:
Halva, fasting salads (spreads – e.g. eggplant salads, taramo salads, etc.) and frozen seafood (at least two types).
Finally, it is recalled that, in the “Godfathers’ Basket” which is in effect from Monday, April 22, 12 categories of products are included.
Specifically, the following products are included in the “Basket of Godfathers”:
* Easter candles – toys
* Board / Puzzle
* Doll toys, dollhouses and other accessories (imitation toys)
* Baby toys
* Action figures
* Construction and building games (eg brick games)
* Vehicles – RC
* Electronic games
* Sports toys (eg balls, children’s basketballs and goals)
* Soft toy
* Music games
* Chocolate eggs and similar products (optional).
