The summer sales start today in Andalucía, Asturias, Castilla-La Mancha, Cataluña, Extremadura and Galicia and have been under way for a week in Madrid and Valencia.
According to a survey by the Consumer Federation FUCI, around 20% less people will take advantage of the sales but, for the first time in six years, the amount being spent per person is set to increase to an average of €60.
The continuing financial crisis is expected to see people buying necessities rather than extravagances. For clothing and accessories, the summer sales account for 20% of total sales for the year.
Discounts are expected to be up to 70% on some products.