A highly anticipated season for hunting bargains, the summer clearance sales that launched on July 26 will continue through September 6. Merchants and retail shoppers both stand to gain. On one side, shopkeepers clear out their inventory and deplete stock rapidly; on the other, consumers capitalize on purchasing numerous goods at slashed prices. Yet soaring temperatures are disrupting these calculations. The majority of shoppers opt for beach trips in search of cooler air, thereby curbing foot traffic in retail districts, to the dismay of store owners counting on the upcoming back-to-school rush to revitalize trade.
A brief stroll down commercial avenues reveals how this clearance season is unfolding. Storefronts are covered in promotional offers aimed at attracting passersby. Nevertheless, these displays draw sparse crowds during peak hours, particularly between noon and 4 PM, as temperatures hit unprecedented highs. Only in the late afternoon do streets begin to revive, offering store owners hope of moving some merchandise.
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and National Market Regulation announced the start of the summer promotional period, which commenced July 26 and extends over six weeks.
This initiative aligns with Executive Decree No. 06-215 of June 18, 2006, governing conditions and procedures for clearance, promotional, liquidation, factory outlet, and pop-up sales, as amended and supplemented, the ministry noted.
On this occasion, officials urged economic operators nationwide to participate by offering competitive pricing, allowing buyers to enjoy varied commercial promotions throughout the entire discount period.
Discounts Reaching Up to 50 Percent
The stage has been set ever since. Substantial price cuts, ranging from 20 to 50 percent, are displayed in bold formats to catch the eye of shoppers who have shown limited interest thus far. The relentless heatwave has dampened the initial momentum of the sales campaign.
Merchants share this assessment. The owner of a women’s apparel boutique noted that the oppressive heat starting in July and extending into August threw off expectations. “People are in the height of vacation mode and prefer spending their days by the seaside, especially given this extreme heat,” he remarked, observing that consumers remain focused on managing holiday schedules.
Regardless, retailers are placing their hopes on the impending academic return. Confident in a rebound, one shopkeeper asserted that the approaching school year will undoubtedly reignite retail activity. In his view, this transition represents a period when households make major purchases across various categories.
Despite the scorching weather, some bargain hunters brave the heat to secure savings. A mother shopping alongside her daughter adjusts her outings to dodge the highest temperatures. “I organize my day by stepping out early in the morning or late in the afternoon. I want to take advantage of these promotions to buy everything on my list,” explained the woman in her sixties, who is making preparations for her daughter’s wedding. “Most shops are air-conditioned, and I ensure I minimize direct sun exposure,” she added, emphasizing that the discounts are worthwhile and she refuses to miss early deals.
Consumers remain interested in the clearance period, even if many have yet to browse the aisles. “I plan to complete my shopping while quality items are marked down,” said a young woman accustomed to finding deals, particularly on footwear. She expressed hope that promotions would expand to include home appliances, electronics, and cosmetics, where finding quality items at reasonable prices remains challenging. However, she awaits a return to moderate weather before venturing out comfortably to shop and take full advantage of these seasonal markdowns.