Greece - Distribution & Sales ChannelsGreece-Distribution & Sales Channels
Traditionally, sales agents and distributors have handled a large amount of Greece's import trade. With Greek banks no longer able or willing to provide financing to Greek companies, and foreign suppliers demanding payment before releasing goods, an increasing number of these Greek firms caught in a “deadlock situation” are closing.
There is no requirement for Agency agreements and they can be signed for any period of time. Distributorship agreements, however, usually guarantee exclusive sales rights for certain districts, or the entire country. Distributors operate on a wholesale, and in some cases, a retail basis. Importers usually maintain offices in Athens, Piraeus, or Thessaloniki with branch offices, subagents, and traveling sales staff covering the rest of the country. In certain cases, small importers may join together to form cooperatives, but this does not suffice for them to keep up with the competition from the foreign distribution companies, which are not effected by lack of financing or capital controls.
Greek retail and wholesale trade had been characterized by small, family-owned and operated businesses, each dealing with a narrow range of goods. Because liquidity is very tight, many businesses find it difficult to finance purchases.
A handful of American-style shopping malls operate in Greece; however in most case, their parking fees act as disincentive to shoppers spending much time shopping. Retail stores rarely open on Sundays. . Certain large stores and smaller stores in areas with tourists are more free to open on Sundays. Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
There is no requirement for Agency agreements and they can be signed for any period of time. Distributorship agreements, however, usually guarantee exclusive sales rights for certain districts, or the entire country. Distributors operate on a wholesale, and in some cases, a retail basis. Importers usually maintain offices in Athens, Piraeus, or Thessaloniki with branch offices, subagents, and traveling sales staff covering the rest of the country. In certain cases, small importers may join together to form cooperatives, but this does not suffice for them to keep up with the competition from the foreign distribution companies, which are not effected by lack of financing or capital controls.
Greek retail and wholesale trade had been characterized by small, family-owned and operated businesses, each dealing with a narrow range of goods. Because liquidity is very tight, many businesses find it difficult to finance purchases.
A handful of American-style shopping malls operate in Greece; however in most case, their parking fees act as disincentive to shoppers spending much time shopping. Retail stores rarely open on Sundays. . Certain large stores and smaller stores in areas with tourists are more free to open on Sundays. Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.