The Consumer Protection Association “Efektiva” reminds that in mid-October last year, the Commission for Protection of Competition initiated proceedings against four retail chains on suspicion of price-fixing. The chains involved are: Delhaize (Maxi and Shop&Go), Mercator (Roda and Idea), DIS and Univerexport.
“For several years now, ‘Efektiva’ has been posting price comparisons on social media, both from the region (former Yugoslav countries) and from European countries. These comparisons show that citizens of Serbia pay significantly higher prices for food and household chemicals compared to consumers in Europe. Interestingly, products made in Serbia are cheaper in the region than in our country,” said the association.
The association also reminds that former Prime Minister Miloš Vučević announced in October last year that the BIA and the National Bank of Serbia would investigate the reasons for high prices, as well as identify the intermediaries in sales involved in ‘inflating’ prices. Since that announcement and the initiation of proceedings by the Commission for Protection of Competition, no concrete action has been taken.
On the other hand, the mentioned retail chains have continued their high-price policies.
“In light of this, we have decided to call on consumers to boycott shopping at these chains for one day, and we have added Lidl to the list, as they too have adhered to the policy of high prices, often with misleading prices and false discounts. Therefore, we call on consumers to refrain from shopping at the mentioned chains on Friday, January 31. It is important to avoid any purchases, and if necessary, shop at smaller stores or local markets. Alternatives are certainly available,” stated the Consumer Protection Association “Efektiva.”
The association also reminds consumers that shopping on Thursday for the next two days or shopping on Saturday to make up for Friday would nullify the boycott.
“This is the first time consumers are organizing a boycott of this type. It will show how willing citizens are to fight for their livelihood. Depending on the outcome, we can expect a reaction from the retail chains or relevant authorities. In Croatia, on the boycott day, January 24, a 47% drop in sales was recorded. This is the first step, and the further actions will depend on the impact of this boycott,” said “Efektiva.”
