The Development Ministry is now considering putting an end to the country’s intermediary sales periods in spring and fall, as they have so far failed to fetch the expected results.

At the same time the ministry is examining the option of creating 10- or 15-day special offers periods drawn up according to geographical or thematic criteria, which will be determined by regional authorities following a recommendation by local traders’ associations.

The ministry’s definitive decisions should be expected next week in the context of the drafting of the consumer protection code during sales and special offers periods.

According to the law introduced last year by the Development Ministry’s previous administration, sales periods were doubled from two to four every year with the introduction of two 10-day windows at the start of May and November. The next one was supposed to start in three weeks’ time.

The ministry is also examining the possibility of extending the maximum period of special offers from 10 to 15 consecutive days for specific products, and a reduction in the number of products affected. The law currently provides for no more than 50 percent of merchandise to be on special offer, but that may drop to 30 percent.