January sales bring Murcia shoppers warmer budgets and smarter habits
With average spending set to hit 100 euros locally, Lorca urges residents to shop local and stay savvy
If you are planning a post-Christmas browse around the shops in Murcia, you are not alone. Locals are expected to spend an average of 100.34 euros each during this winter sales campaign, as the textile sector gears up for a 4–5% sales boost over last year.Across the country, things are looking up too. Banqmi, the price comparison site, forecasts Spanish shoppers will budget 104.65 euros per person, a 4.6% rise from 100.01 euros last year. It is very much a year for smart shopping rather than splurging, with people mixing online deals, year-round bargains and in-store hunts, all while keeping a close eye on value.
Trade group Acotex agrees the outlook is positive, thanks to “aggressive initial discounts” starting at 50% and often climbing to 60–70% later on. They see the sales as a golden chance to shift stock, even if budgets are hitting record highs but customers stay super price-sensitive.
Down in Lorca, the message is clear: keep it local. Commerce Councillor Mayte Martínez Sánchez called it “a unique opportunity to outfit the whole family at unbeatable prices without leaving Lorca”, adding that “the money we spend stays in our city”. She and Consumer Affairs Councillor Belén Díaz Arcas reckon the cold, rainy winter has been a real boon for coats, jumpers, boots and cosy home bits like blankets, duvets, heaters, kitchenware and furniture.Díaz Arcas wants everyone to enjoy the fun but shop wisely. “To avoid impulse purchases, it's best to set a budget and try not to exceed it,” she said. She reminds us that “prices go down, but not our rights”, so keep receipts, check original prices are shown clearly and pop into the Municipal Consumer Information Office if needed.
Spending plans vary widely across Spain though. La Rioja leads with 118.13 euros per person, while Galicia brings up the rear at 90.01 euros. The Basque Country, Madrid, Asturias and the Valencian Community are all above 106 euros, and a long list of regions including Aragón, Catalonia and Navarre hover around the 105-euro mark. Murcia’s comfortable 100 euros sits cautiously in the middle.
So, whether you’re eyeing a new winter coat or just browsing, the January sales are shaping up to be the perfect chance to bag some great deals.
You might also be interested in: Get ready to spend: Spain's January Sales are coming and here's when they start
Image: wikicommons
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern city has built its tourism industry. Among these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish quarter of the castle and synagogue, Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as two earthquakes measuring 5.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011, claiming 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only along difficult tracks or by boat!
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of processions in which the Whites (Paso Blanco) and Blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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