Greece – Retail and Consumer Issues

What are the typical opening hours for shops in Greece?

Retail opening hours in Greece are not straightforward, since they differ depending on the type of outlet and its location. The overall pattern reflects a distinctly Mediterranean commercial culture that stands apart from the extended, seven-day trading common in much of Northern Europe and North America.

In city centres, most shops operate continuously — generally from 09:00 to 21:00 — whereas stores in suburban areas tend to follow a split-shift schedule three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 09:00–14:30 and 17:30–20:30), with morning-only hours on the remaining three days (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday: 09:00–15:00).

Supermarkets typically run continuous hours until 21:00. The window between roughly 14:00 and 17:30 has traditionally been reserved for the midday meal and an afternoon rest, particularly during the hot summer months. This midday closure frequently catches new arrivals off guard, especially in smaller towns and suburban neighbourhoods.

In recent years, a growing number of shops — usually larger chain retailers such as Zara and H&M — have transitioned to all-day trading without a midday break, and shopping centre tenants similarly tend to trade throughout the day. Athens’ principal malls (including The Mall Athens, Golden Hall, and Athens Metro Mall) typically remain open until as late as 22:00 on weekdays during busy periods.

Sunday is a non-working day across Greece, in both small towns and major cities. In contrast to countries such as the UK, where Sunday trading is regulated but broadly permitted, Greek law makes Sunday closure the standard rule. Tourist destinations are a notable exception — shops there may trade on Sundays during the tourist season — while government offices, post offices, and banks remain closed even in tourist areas. Beyond kiosks (periptera), confectionery shops, florists, and many tourist-oriented outlets, the vast majority of businesses are shut on Sundays.

During the Christmas and New Year festive period, retailers have the option to open on specific Sundays — typically three Sundays in December — between 11:00 and 18:00. Shops are closed on 1 and 2 January, returning to normal hours from 3 January, before closing again for Epiphany on 6 January. It is always worth checking locally around significant public holidays, as closures can differ by region and individual business.

The OK! Anytime Markets convenience chain, which has been operating in Greece since 2004 and is found mainly in city centres and residential neighbourhoods, stays open until 23:00 and on Sundays — making it a practical choice for those needing to shop outside regular hours.

What forms of payment are typically accepted in Greece?

Payment habits in Greece have changed considerably over the past decade, driven in part by government initiatives aimed at reducing cash transactions and improving financial transparency. Although cash is still widely used and culturally embedded, card and digital payment options are now far more widely available than they were before 2015.

Credit and debit cards — Visa and Mastercard above all — are accepted at the great majority of supermarkets, chain retailers, petrol stations, restaurants, and hotels. Contactless payments are standard at most large retailers and supermarket checkouts. Mobile payment solutions such as Apple Pay and Google Pay function wherever contactless terminals are installed, which now covers most urban retail settings. American Express is less universally accepted and may be turned away at smaller establishments.

In rural locations, on smaller islands, and at traditional outdoor markets (laïki agorá), cash remains the predominant — and often the sole — accepted form of payment. Small family-run shops, local tavernas, and independent traders in less-visited areas may have no card terminal at all, or may set a minimum purchase threshold before accepting cards. Keeping some cash on hand is always a sensible precaution when venturing outside large city centres or attending local street markets.

One payment system worth being aware of is the Greek IRIS platform — a bank-to-bank instant transfer service linked to mobile numbers or tax identification numbers (AFM). It is used for person-to-person payments and is increasingly appearing as a checkout option at certain retailers. If you hold an account with a Greek bank, it is likely already connected to IRIS by default. Merchants within the EU are prohibited from levying surcharges for standard credit or debit card use, so you should not be charged extra for card payments at legitimate retailers.

What are the major supermarkets in Greece, and how do they differ?

The Greek grocery sector is shaped by several dominant chains covering everything from local delicacies to everyday household staples. According to comparative research conducted by the Institute of Retail Consumer Goods Research (IELKA) in September 2025, the price of a typical household grocery basket at Greek supermarkets remains below that of most major European nations. Germany’s basket costs run 46% higher, France’s 26% higher, and the UK’s 24% higher than the Greek supermarket average.

Sklavenitis (Σκλαβενίτης) holds the top position in the market and is particularly celebrated for carrying the broadest selection of produce sourced directly from Greek farmers — it is a leading destination for authentic Greek olive oil, honey, and fresh fish at competitive prices across Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras. Key strengths include an extensive range of own-label products under the Marata brand, hot prepared food counters, and free parking at most branches. In terms of positioning, it is broadly comparable to a large mainstream supermarket — price-competitive with a pronounced focus on local sourcing.

Lidl remains the leading discount supermarket chain in Greece and the second-largest retailer by sales volume, with estimated Greek turnover exceeding €2.1 billion and around 230 stores providing national coverage across all major urban and regional markets (as of 2026). Lidl Hellas is the default choice for budget-conscious shoppers, actively marketing its Eridanous own-brand range of Greek specialties at discounted prices, supported by weekly promotional leaflets and well-regarded in-store bakeries. If you are acquainted with Lidl or Aldi in other European countries, the Greek Lidl operates on a very similar discount model.

AB Vassilopoulos is one of the most enduring supermarket brands in the country, with FY2024 turnover of approximately €1.97 billion and a network of around 510 stores including franchised formats, maintaining solid urban coverage through neighbourhood supermarkets and convenience outlets. Owned by the Ahold Delhaize group, AB’s Armonia departments carry Greece’s largest assortment of organic, gluten-free, and vegan foods, and the chain is the most reliable source for premium cheeses with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, alongside an excellent wine range and modern self-checkout facilities. AB tends to be positioned at a mid-to-premium level — comparable in quality and range to a Waitrose or Albert Heijn.

My Market, a member of the Metro Group, places particular emphasis on freshness, with its meat and produce departments widely regarded as among the best-stocked in the country (as of 2026). MyMarket and Kritikos are smaller chains but represent worthwhile alternatives when products cannot be found elsewhere. In June 2025, AVE Group acquired a 40% stake in a retail operation, with plans to rebrand certain stores as Carrefour in order to grow its footprint in tourist regions.

Sustainability is receiving growing attention in Greece in 2026 — plastic bags are subject to a fee at the checkout, so bringing your own reusable bags is well worth the habit. Beyond supermarkets, most neighbourhoods host a weekly outdoor market (Laïki Agorá) where you can buy the freshest fruit, vegetables, fish, olives, and cheeses directly from local farmers and traders, usually at very competitive prices.

How popular is online shopping in Greece, and what are the main platforms?

E-commerce in Greece has expanded considerably in recent years, with the pandemic period acting as a significant catalyst and growth continuing beyond that. Although online shopping adoption still trails behind Northern European averages, it has become a routine part of daily life, especially in Athens and Thessaloniki.

The dominant online marketplace in Greece is Skroutz (skroutz.gr), which operates as both a price comparison engine and an online marketplace — broadly akin to PriceRunner or Idealo in other European markets, but with its own fulfilment and delivery infrastructure. It is heavily used for electronics, appliances, clothing, and home goods. e-shop.gr and Public (public.gr) are major electronics and general merchandise retailers with well-established online presences. Plaisio is another long-standing name in the electronics and technology space.

As far as international platforms are concerned, Amazon does not run a dedicated Greek storefront, but orders can be placed through Amazon’s German, Italian, or French sites and delivered to Greek addresses — generally within a few days for standard deliveries, though transit times can stretch for more remote islands. eBay is available, and international fashion platforms including ASOS, Zara, H&M, and Zalando all ship to Greece.

Major supermarket chains including AB Vassilopoulos and Sklavenitis offer online grocery delivery in Athens and other significant urban centres. Delivery windows for groceries in Athens are typically same-day or next-day. Food delivery apps — most notably efood (Greece’s market leader, now part of the Delivery Hero group) and Wolt — enjoy enormous popularity and operate across most Greek cities and larger towns.

The growing dependence on e-commerce platforms has raised concerns around consumer protection, particularly regarding returns policies, refunds, and the availability of customer support — many shoppers have found these policies unclear or inconsistent between platforms. When purchasing from non-EU sellers, be aware that customs duties and import VAT may be applied to parcels exceeding certain thresholds — consult the current rules at the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) before ordering high-value items from outside the EU. Delivery to remote islands and smaller communities can take longer and may occasionally attract additional courier charges.

Are there shops or products in Greece catering specifically to expats or international tastes?

Athens and Thessaloniki both have well-developed international food retail scenes, and expats from a wide range of backgrounds will find dedicated shops and neighbourhoods serving their culinary preferences, particularly within larger urban areas.

In Athens, the iconic Varvakeios Agora (Athens Central Market) on Athinas Street is one of the most celebrated food markets in the entire Mediterranean, offering fresh meat, fish, spices, olives, herbs, and cheeses. For imported groceries, Monastiraki and the surrounding streets in the city centre host a concentration of international food shops. The Omonia neighbourhood and nearby areas are home to numerous Asian, Middle Eastern, and South Asian grocery stores — Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, and Arab food ingredients are relatively accessible here. Similar clusters can be found around Thessaloniki’s Kapani Market.

Chinese supermarkets and grocers carrying ingredients for East and Southeast Asian cooking are present in most major Greek cities. Middle Eastern and North African products — including halal meat, spices, and specialty grains — are well served by a network of specialist retailers. South American and Latin American goods are less readily available in physical stores, though a number of specialist importers operate online.

In terms of mainstream international brands, IKEA operates stores in the Athens and Thessaloniki areas. European fashion chains including Zara, H&M, Mango, and Pull&Bear are present in major shopping malls and on principal high streets. Media Markt runs electronics stores across Greece. International pharmacy and health brands are broadly available through the extensive licensed pharmacy network (farmakeia), identifiable by the green cross sign.

The AB Vassilopoulos chain is generally the best bet for finding imported food products within a mainstream supermarket, with its international group sourcing underpinning a wide selection of imported goods. Health food stores (biopazarakia or organic shops) have multiplied across Greek cities in recent years and stock a broad assortment of international health, vegan, and free-from products.

What are your rights as a consumer in Greece?

Core consumer rights in Greece — including the right to safety, fair treatment, and effective redress — are enshrined in national legislation such as Law 2251/1994 and backed by a range of EU directives. As a member of the EU, Greece affords shoppers some of the most robust consumer protections anywhere in the world, rights that apply equally to all residents regardless of nationality.

Greek consumers enjoy a broad right to information — you are entitled to receive clear, accurate, and comprehensive details about goods and services before making a purchase, covering price, characteristics, and any associated risks. Products must carry labelling that informs buyers about ingredients or composition, expiry dates, and instructions for use.

Under EU law, sellers are required to provide a minimum two-year legal guarantee covering defective goods or products that fail to match their described or advertised qualities. In certain countries, national legislation may specify longer guarantee periods. Where a product proves defective within the guarantee period, responsibility lies with the seller. This statutory guarantee is a mandatory legal obligation and concerns the seller’s duty to deliver goods free of defects and in full conformity with the contract of sale. All remedies — whether repair or replacement — must be provided at no cost to the consumer, and the choice between those options rests with the consumer.

Greek consumers have the right to cancel contracts for goods or services purchased remotely — for example, through an online retailer — within 14 days and without facing any penalty. This is a particularly significant protection in the context of digital commerce. The cooling-off period may be extended beyond 14 days where a trader has failed to provide the required withdrawal form or all the information the consumer is legally entitled to receive, including the conditions, deadlines, and procedures for exercising the right of withdrawal.

It is important to note that there is no automatic legal right under EU rules to return a product bought in a physical shop simply because you have changed your mind. Many Greek retailers do provide voluntary in-store return or exchange policies — particularly during sale periods — as a goodwill gesture, but this remains at the individual retailer’s discretion unless the item is actually defective. Always retain your receipt (apodeixi).

Consumers are protected against unfair commercial practices including misleading advertising, unsafe products, and inequitable contract terms. Goods and services must meet applicable safety standards, and in cases of product recalls due to safety concerns, businesses are obliged to inform customers and take appropriate action — whether withdrawing the product from sale or providing a refund.

For the most up-to-date guidance on any specific consumer rights matter, always verify with an authoritative source such as the Hellenic Consumer Ombudsman (Synigoros tou Katanaloti) or the Ministry of Development, which holds responsibility for consumer affairs in Greece.

Which organisations protect consumers in Greece, and how can you contact them?

A range of authorities in Greece, including the Hellenic Consumer Ombudsman and the Hellenic Competition Commission, are responsible for upholding consumer protection legislation. Consumers who consider that their rights have been infringed may lodge complaints and seek remedies through these bodies.

• Hellenic Consumer Ombudsman (Synigoros tou Katanaloti)
  The principal independent authority for out-of-court resolution of consumer disputes in Greece. It acts as a mediator between consumers and businesses, handles complaints relating to goods, services, and unfair commercial practices, and issues recommendations. Complaints can be submitted online through the official website: synigoroskatanaloti.gr. The service is free of charge for consumers.
• General Secretariat for Consumer Affairs – Ministry of Development
  The government department responsible for consumer policy and enforcement of consumer protection law in Greece. It oversees the application of Law 2251/1994 and EU consumer directives. Contact details and information on how to file a complaint are available at: mindev.gov.gr. You can also reach the consumer helpline by calling 1520 (available within Greece).
• Hellenic Competition Commission (Epitropi Antagonismou)
  Responsible for enforcing competition legislation and investigating anti-competitive conduct, price-fixing, and unfair market behaviour that damages consumers. Official website: epant.gr.
• European Consumer Centre Greece (ECC Greece)
  Part of the EU-wide ECC Network, this body assists consumers with cross-border disputes — for instance, where a complaint involves an online retailer based in another EU member state. It provides free guidance and mediation services. If you encounter difficulties cancelling a contract, obtaining a repair, or securing a refund from a business in another EU country, ECC Greece can offer assistance. Website: eccgreece.gr.
• Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT)
  Deals specifically with complaints concerning telecommunications and postal services. The relevant authority to contact if you have a dispute with a mobile phone or internet provider. Website: eett.gr.
• EFET – Hellenic Food Authority
  Responsible for food safety standards and product labelling compliance. If you purchase food products that you believe are unsafe or incorrectly labelled, EFET is the appropriate body to contact. Website: efet.gr.

With access to dispute resolution mechanisms such as the Consumer Ombudsman, and the option to pursue legal action where necessary, consumers in Greece have several avenues for seeking redress. For routine disputes with a retailer, it is always best to attempt resolution directly with the business in the first instance — a large proportion of complaints are settled at store level without further escalation. If that approach proves unsuccessful, the Ombudsman’s free mediation service is the recommended next step before considering formal legal proceedings.

Frequently asked questions: retail and consumer issues in Greece

Are shops in Greece open on Sundays?

Sunday is a non-working day in Greece, in both small towns and large cities. Tourist areas are an exception, where shops may trade on Sundays during the tourist season. Certain convenience store chains such as OK! Anytime also remain open on Sundays. Outside tourist zones, it is advisable to complete your shopping on a weekday or Saturday.

Do I need to carry cash in Greece?

Card payments are broadly accepted at supermarkets, chain stores, and most city restaurants. That said, in rural areas, on smaller islands, and at street markets (laïki), cash is frequently the only payment option available. It is always prudent to carry some euros, particularly when travelling beyond major urban centres.

What is the cheapest supermarket in Greece?

Lidl Hellas is widely regarded as the benchmark for affordable grocery shopping, with its Eridanous own-brand range prominently promoted at discount prices. The broader sector has seen sector-wide reductions on essential items, and the discount segment accounted for 15–20% of the Greek grocery market in 2025.

What are my rights if I buy a faulty product in Greece?

EU law requires sellers to provide a minimum two-year legal guarantee covering defective goods or products that fail to perform as advertised. Remedies — repair or replacement — must be provided at no cost to the consumer, and the choice between them is the consumer’s to make. If a seller refuses to honour these obligations, the matter can be escalated to the Hellenic Consumer Ombudsman free of charge.

Can I return something I bought online in Greece if I change my mind?

Consumers have a legal right to withdraw from a distance sale contract — returning the goods in exchange for a refund — within 14 calendar days from the date of delivery. The direct cost of returning the goods is ordinarily borne by the consumer, unless a different arrangement has been agreed with the seller.

Is it easy to find international food products in Greece?

In Athens and Thessaloniki, a solid selection of Asian, Middle Eastern, and other international ingredients can be found at specialist shops, particularly in central city districts. Among mainstream supermarket chains, AB Vassilopoulos tends to carry the widest variety of imported products. More specialised items from Latin America or certain Asian culinary traditions may need to be sourced online through dedicated importers.

How do I complain about a retailer or service in Greece?

Begin by attempting to resolve the matter directly with the retailer. If this proves unsuccessful, you can lodge a free complaint with the Hellenic Consumer Ombudsman online or by telephone. For cross-border EU purchases, ECC Greece offers free mediation. Food safety concerns should be directed to EFET; telecommunications disputes to EETT. You can also call the national consumer helpline on 1520 from within Greece.

Are supermarket prices in Greece expensive compared to other European countries?

A comparative study by the Research Institute of Retail Consumer Goods (IELKA) carried out in April 2025 found that the average supermarket price of a standard product basket in Greece was lower than in seven other European countries included in the analysis, among them France, Germany, the UK, Spain, and Italy. In spite of Greece’s comparatively higher food VAT rate, overall supermarket prices remain lower — a pattern that has been observed consistently across the 12 years of IELKA’s annual comparative research.