Special prices for the crisis

Special offers and promos are turning into primetime material this season as the local market?s survival instincts kick in and come up with more affordable ways for residents and visitors to enjoy city life.

In an effort to boost downtown summertime business, the Athens Traders Association is taking a proactive stance and is behind the Athens World Music Festival. The event takes place July 16 to 20 and coincides with the launch of the summer sales season (July 16). The project is being carried out in collaboration with the City of Athens and the capital?s Technopolis cultural complex in Gazi, where a five-day world music festival will take place with the support of various local trade associations.

Local apparel brand Raxevsky has been offering summer discounts since July 3. The garment and accessories label has marked down all of its clothes collections by 50 percent. The discount is valid for all Benefit loyalty card-holders — the cards can be picked up at Raxevsky outlets free of charge.

E-commerce has also caught on to the benefits of special offers, with a number of local-based websites readjusting to the harsh current climate. Starbags.gr, credited with bringing the rent-a-luxury-bag concept to Greece, is taking a fresh look at luxury and premium brands. Having broadened its commercial scope to include the sale of garments and accessories, the website is now offering a New Price category where dresses by Paul