Summer Closing Sale Disappoints Mallorca's Small Shops

This Year's Summer Closing Sale on Mallorca: A Flop?

Summer, sun, and empty cash registers? Sounds paradoxical, but that's exactly what many small shops on Mallorca are experiencing this August. Expectations were high – light summer dresses, swim trunks, and sandals should have been flying off the shelves. But instead, they still lie neatly folded and wait in vain for buyers.

Weak Figures and Disappointed Retailers

According to the AFEDECO association, almost 80 percent of small shops have rated this year's discount promotions as 'poor' or 'mediocre.' Despite some juicy discounts, customers stayed away. The worst for many: Sales are not only stagnating but are even worse than last year.

And then there's the online trade, which continues to boom unabated. More and more locals and tourists seem to be doing their summer shopping with a click – without experiencing the charm of a local store.

Reform Proposals for Discount Periods

AFEDECO is now calling for a fundamental overhaul of the discount calendar. The idea? In the future, shift the start of summer discounts later to better align with the tourism season. 'The tourists have just arrived – and we're luring them with closing sales? That doesn't fit,' says a shop owner in Palma.

It remains to be seen whether these demands will be heard and whether this will improve the situation for smaller retailers. One thing is clear: The traditional summer closing sale has seen its best days – at least in its current form.

Maybe we all need a little more patience. And maybe a bit less online shopping?