<P> In France, the January sales are restricted by legislation to no more than four weeks in Paris, and no more than six weeks for the rest of the country, usually beginning on the first Wednesday in January, and are one of only two periods of the year when retailers are permitted to hold sales . </P> <P> In Italy, the January sales begin on the first weekend in January, and last for at least six weeks . </P> <P> In Croatia and Bosnia (predominantly Sarajevo) the sales periods are regulated by the Consumer Protection Act . The January sales period starts on December 27 and can last up to 60 days . </P> <P> In Germany, the Winterschlussverkauf (winter sale before the season ends) was one of two official sales periods (the other being the Sommerschlussverkauf, the summer sales). It begins on the last Monday in January and lasts for 12 days, selling left - over goods from the holiday shopping season, as well as the winter collections . However, unofficially, goods are sold at reduced prices by many stores throughout the whole of January . By the time the sales officially begin the only goods left on sale are low - quality ones, often specially manufactured for the sales . Since a legislative reform to the corresponding law in 2004, season sales are now allowed over the whole year and are no longer restricted to season - related goods . However, voluntary sales still called "Winterschlussverkauf" take place further on in most stores at the same time every year . </P>

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