Catalonia Winter Sales in effect until 6 March

Winter sales in Catalonia begin on 7 January and last until 6 March. All shops will be required to adapt to the new 2008 winter sales term, whether they are bound by the general opening hours or they are exceptionally allowed to open on public holidays.

According to the Catalan Consumer Affairs Agency (ACC), any items on offer in the sales must have previously been available for purchase. Customers are advised by the ACC to check the label and to bear in mind that complaint forms must be available in all shops.

Advice for shoppers during the sales:

- Prepare a list of items that interest you.

- Compare prices.

- Take a close look at the item; it must be of the same quality and have the same guarantee as it did at its regular price.

- Try to distinguish items that are in regular sales from those that are in closing-down sales.

- Shops must accept the same methods of payment (i.e. credit cards) during the sales period.

- Read the label on the item.

- Labels must be in Catalan and/or in Spanish.

- Keep your receipt or invoice as a guarantee.

- Ask the retailer if your item can be exchanged.

- Remember that complaint forms must be available in all shops.

- Purchasing in a participating shop of the Consumer Arbitration Board scheme offers you a complete guarantee.