The majority of shops in Majorca have completed the summer sales period and registered improved business compared with recent years. The Afedeco and Pimeco associations, both of which represent smaller traders, estimate that turnover went up by between three and five per cent during the July and August sales.
Presidents of both associations say that the results were good, but Bernat Coll of Pimeco - hardly for the first time - has criticised the market liberalisation which allows for reductions at any time of the year. It used to be the case that discounts were confined to specific sales periods. Although the summer campaign has finished, there will still be some shops with sales going on.
Large retailers have also experienced improved sales. El Corte Inglés, with its two Palma stores, has seen turnover increase compared with last year, attributing this to the higher number of tourists and to a reactivation of the local market. The two associations agree that there is increased consumer confidence as well as more employment.
Looking ahead to the autumn and winter, business will be influenced by the weather. The mild winter of 2015 to 2016 was not that favourable to sales of typical winter clothing. However, and whatever happens with the weather, a greater level of tourist activity is expected to help.