SALDI

Saldi is the Italian plural noun formed from saldo, and it has several related meanings. In everyday usage, saldi most often refers to price reductions offered by retailers during scheduled sale periods. The term can also denote balances or remaining amounts in financial accounts. The word is widely used in consumer culture and commerce in Italy.

In the retail context, saldi typically occur as seasonal campaigns, known as saldi estivi (summer sales) and saldi invernali (winter sales). The exact dates are usually determined locally by municipalities or regions in Italy, and can vary by city. The sales usually run for several weeks and represent a peak period for discounted merchandise, especially clothing, footwear, and accessories. Shoppers often anticipate the saldi and adjust their purchasing plans accordingly; retailers may also offer online discounts during these periods. Outside the major seasons, many stores continue to run promotions, but the official saldi period remains a notable benchmark for discounts.

Pricing and consumer protection: sellers commonly display the previous price alongside the sale price to illustrate the discount. In Italian and EU consumer law, clear labeling is generally required to avoid misleading promotions. While the official saldi dates guide many promotions, stores may still run independent promotions outside the official window, sometimes described as fuori stagione. Retailers also adjust signage and advertising to comply with local rules.

Other uses and international context: outside Italy, the term saldi is recognized to refer to discounts in shopping contexts. In finance, saldo can mean the balance on an account, which is a different sense of the same word.