The Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade said in a statement that it expects 4,000 shops to take part in the seasonal sale, which started on Monday.

On the first day of the season, over 300 shops had already obtained the necessary license to participate.

While participating stores have the freedom to determine the appropriate discounts, it is essential that the discounts offered are genuine, the ministry noted.

The ministry will conduct inspection campaigns to ensure the quality of goods and the accuracy of sales, it added. 

It stressed that legal measures will be taken against those who violate the established rules. Participating shops are obligated to announce the prices of exhibited goods both before and after the sale.

The ministry stated that the winter season aims to enhance the purchasing power of citizens.

This annual sale comes at a time when the prices of various commodities, including clothing and other goods, have been soaring, putting a strain on the finances of Egyptians.

Egypt's inflation rate for December 2023 was significantly higher than the 21.9 percent recorded in December 2022, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS).

According to CAPMAS figures for the year-to-year rates, the clothing and footwear sector recorded a 22 percent increase due to changes in the prices of fabric by 40.8 percent, ready-to-wear clothing by 21.7 percent, other clothing and accessories by 27.9 percent, and footwear by 18.7 percent