Minimart told to display prices

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is satisfied that Sobers Minimart, Shorey Village, St Thomas has corrected a situation regarding pricing.

A press release said the department investigated a report on unusual pricing at the minimart on Friday, April 17.

“It was explained that a Trading Standards Officer from the DCCA, assigned to the investigation, reported that items sold at Sobers Minimart were compared to prices captured within the Basket of Goods monitored by the DCCA.

“The investigation revealed that some prices of items sold at the minimart were in line with average prices within the Basket of Goods. Moreover, prices of the items investigated were within usual market margins.”

The owner of Sobers Minimart said the prices currently being offered are at pre-COVID-19 levels, according to the statement.

It also said investigations revealed a pre-packaged piece of cheese which was sold was incorrectly priced. The owner apologised for the error in pricing and the inconvenience caused to the customer and stated efforts were being undertaken to reimburse the customer for the difference in price paid.

The department has asked Sobers Minimart to place price signage, net weight and unit price on the category of items being sold.

The DCCA has asked all retailers to have prices displayed on items during and after the COVID-19 period.

Additionally, the department has encouraged retailers and wholesalers to maintain pre-COVID-19 prices during this current pandemic.

For further enquiries, the department may be contacted at 535-7000/1 or emailed at commerce.ca@barbados.gov.bb. (BGIS)