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The summer sales have arrived in Spain, and for households feeling the pinch of rising prices, they are a genuine opportunity to save on things you actually need, whether that is a new pair of trainers, a replacement appliance or a wardrobe refresh before the school year starts.

 

Small, unplanned summer expenses can quietly add up at this time of year and the sales period is exactly where that kind of impulse spending can spiral if you are not careful. A little planning goes a long way.

 

While the traditional sales window ran from July 1 to August 31, since the sector was liberalised in 2012 each retailer sets its own dates. The Inditex group, which includes Zara, Stradivarius, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Lefties, Oysho and Massimo Dutti, is launching its discounts on its apps and websites from the afternoon of Wednesday June 24, with physical stores following from Thursday June 25. Discounts typically range from 30% to 50%, though as the season progresses they can reach up to 70% in the final days.

 

Consumer organisations OCU and Asescon both urge shoppers to approach the sales with a clear head. The OCU points out that "sales reduce prices, not rights," reminding consumers that "the guarantees for a discounted product are the same as for one that isn't discounted." Asescon, meanwhile, encourages people to "make conscious and responsible consumption choices, avoiding spending beyond what the family economy allows, especially in times of economic crisis and high inflation."

 

A few simple habits make a real difference. Before heading out or opening an app, write a list of what you genuinely need and set a maximum budget. Compare prices across a few stores before committing, and check that labels show both the original and discounted price so you know the reduction is real.

 

Be cautious about clearance items, which must be clearly labelled as such and are distinct from sale items. Keep your receipts in case you need to make a return or claim.

 

One of the most common traps is heading out for a casual stroll and ending up coming home with bags of things you had not planned on buying. If you are not specifically shopping, it is worth avoiding browsing the shops altogether during the sales period.

 

On the practical side, paying with cash rather than a card tends to keep spending more conscious, and shopping in person rather than online helps too. Browsing a website at midnight with a credit card to hand is the quickest route to buying things you had not planned on.

 

Finally, the OCU makes a timely suggestion: the sales are a good moment to get ahead on children's clothes and shoes for the new school year, buying now at reduced prices rather than paying full price in September.

 

 

Image: Archive