On January 7^th, right after the Three Kings celebrations have come to an end, the Sales period (aka ‘Rebajas’ in Spanish) started.
This year there are massive discounts (something we can really thank crisis for…).

It is expected that this year’s sales in Spain will last until March, although it depends on the demand and the criteria of each merchant, as they are free to determine their sales period.

Recommendations and essential information to take into consideration

1. It is advisable to state beforehand the amount of money that we want and can spend on Rebajas, as it is easy to spend more than what our pockets can hold!
2. Make a list of the products you would like to get: electrical appliances, underwear, a coat, etc. It is recommendable to define priorities.
3. Focus on basic commodities, just buy what is necessary.
4. Take into consideration the sales periods of each establishment, which must clearly indicate their starting and finishing dates.
5. The discounted items in no case can be damaged or have been acquired to be sold at a price lower than the original one.
6. The products on offer must have been on sale earlier in the same establishment during, at least, one month at a price higher than the one stated on sales.
7. Price tags must either show the original and the reduced prices, or the percentage of discount to be applied.
8. Products with reduced price must be clearly indicated and separated from the ones which are not on sale.
9. Regarding form of payment during sales period, this must be the same one as the rest of the year, unless the merchant states something different on a visible sign.
10. It is not compulsory for the establishment to change an item or make a refund unless it is a factory-defective product.
11. Products on sale have a 2-year guarantee.
12. Keep your receipt or simplified invoice as it is fundamental to make changes, devolutions or claims.

For those of you who are in Benidorm, there is a Municipal Office of Consumer Information (Oficina Municipal de Información al Consumidor – OMIC) where you may make enquiries, claims or complaints. It is located inside the Edificio (‘building’) Torrejó, between 9am and 2pm, from Monday to Friday. You may also call them to 965 85 13 06 or email them to omic@benidorm.org.

On the other hand, you may check the Consumers and Users Organization (www.ocu.org), which offers a free assistance service for its members.

Sales in Benidorm

But, where is it advisable to go in Benidorm? A very good option is to visit the La Marina Shopping Centre and its surroundings in Finestrat, where you will find department stores of toys, sportswear and sports items, Carrefour, etc. Shops with discounts between 30% and 70% at La Marina include Blanco, H&M, Fresh Shoes, Claire´s, Mary Paz, Women´s Secret, Mango, Springfield, Guess, Pimkie, Benetton, Paco Martínez, Inside, Kakorroto, Base, Colores, Mavisel, Mayoral, Gerry Webber and C&A. You will also find those belonging to the Inditex Group: Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho and Zara Home.

Here you have a map of how to get to the La Marina Shopping Centre.

If you do not have a car or prefer to use public transport, you may either take bus number 2 towards Finestrat (last stop) which departs from the beginning of the Levante Beach, or the tram train number 1 towards Alicante (Centro Comercial Finestrat stop).

For those of you who are in Benidorm and prefer to make their shopping outdoors, we recommend you to go to the Gerona and Ametlla de Mar avenues, or to the city centre.