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. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.
Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.
Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!
In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.
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 inspoilt 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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