Sale Season

Sale season started this year on 3 January. It will last more or less (depending on the whims of the individual shopkeeper) until the end of February. Stores mark down their wares anywhere from 20% to 75%. Controversy always arises around the issue of the TRUE NATURE of these discounts. Every year some merchants are found to have raised the supposed "full price" so as to offer what seems to be a fantastic discount, but, in fact, is not such a great deal.

These photos were taken in the town center. Here I would imagine that merchants are doing their best to offer honest discounts as they are under great duress from the competition created by the large new shopping center on the edge of town. During the past few weeks the traffic around the mall has been so bad that cars are even backed up onto the highway.

Commercial Christmas

For over-the-top Christmas decor in Molfetta you have to head over to the local mall. Here my 9-year-old son patiently poses in front of the largest of the many Christmas trees placed here and there around the mall.

Note, it's complete with phony shopping bags of gifts...a subtle hint, just in case you forgot what you came to the mall to do! This year most shops are already offering up to 30% discounts on their merchandise to encourage spending...global recession and all. The normal "sale" season doesn't start until about the second week of January.

At the other end of the mall there is a display of nativity scenes which are more culturally appropriate here. The Christmas tree is an import from the north and many Molfettan families don't do one at all.