Shops launch summer sales with discounts up to 50%

The summer sales have begun in Belgium - with many stores offering 50% discounts from day one to clear their stock.

According to trade federation Comeos, six out of 10 retailers are expecting a better performance in this summer's sales than last year.

Sales are heavily regulated in Belgium and are the only time of the year when a store can sell products at a loss. They run until 31 July.

"There are still a large selection of summer clothes, mid-season items, jackets, men's and children's clothing," said Comeos fashion manager Kathy Bergen.

The sales period comes after a disappointing spring for fashion retailers. According to Comeos, stores recorded an average 3.8% decline in sales from January to May, compared with the same period last year.

With the sales beginning on a Monday, "there will be no rush like last year," said Christine Mattheeuws, president of the self-employed union SNI. "Purchases will simply be spread out over time.

"Small traders, unlike chains, are free to decide when they increase the discounts. They will see how things go and will probably increase the reductions faster if there are not a lot of sales."