Recent investigations across several supermarkets have revealed a troubling trend of pricing discrepancies during checkout. Shoppers have reported that many items displayed with discounted or promotional prices on the shelves are often scanned at their original, higher prices at the register.
Seema Shandil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council of Fiji, pointed out that this phenomenon is particularly common with products that are nearing their expiration dates, as well as with fresh fruits, vegetables, and promotional merchandise. She stressed the need for consumers to carefully check their receipts, as they may inadvertently pay more than expected, thereby missing out on anticipated savings.
“Consumers expect to pay the price indicated on the shelf, and retailers have a responsibility to ensure pricing accuracy, especially during the hectic holiday shopping periods. The ongoing discrepancies between shelf prices and checkout prices should not be dismissed as mere mistakes. The patterns we are observing raise significant concerns about the possibility of these practices being deliberate, which is completely unacceptable,” Shandil stated.
In several cases, cashiers are left needing to manually adjust item prices to align with their advertised costs. While some retailers may attribute these inconsistencies to human error, the Consumer Council of Fiji argues that the regular occurrence of these pricing mismatches necessitates a closer examination of the underlying motivations.
Shandil is calling on shoppers to stay attentive and thoroughly review their receipts, especially during high-traffic shopping seasons. She pointed out that even small price differences can accumulate quickly, resulting in significant financial loss for families purchasing multiple items.
This issue highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability in retail practices, ensuring that consumers receive fair treatment in their shopping experiences. The Consumer Council of Fiji’s advocacy for consumer rights serves as a reminder for retailers to uphold high standards in pricing practices.