Skopje, 18 September 2023 (MIA) – All products which are set to have their prices reduced by 10 percent with Tuesday’s government decision, will also be able to be sold as part of discount sales in stores, at prices lower than the reduced ones. If, however, the discount is due to the products being close to their expiry date, then that will have to be clearly stated, said Minister of Economy Kreshnik Bekteshi at a press conference Monday. 

According to Bekteshi, a small correction of the decision regarding promotional and discount sales will be made on Tuesday, with the goal of preventing any fraud or manipulation of consumers by the sellers.

“Sales offering an additional discount to what we will determine tomorrow will be allowed. Those that can do this, can promote themselves, this isn’t an issue for us. For us, it’s important that there are reductions in the prices and that the consumers aren’t being manipulated. Stores can hold discount sales for all the products they have, but they won’t be able to put a product on sale due to it being close to expiry, in that case they would have to clearly state that the discount is due to the fact the product is close to expiry, so the consumers can decide if they want to buy the product,” stressed Bekteshi.

The Minister said that a new law on unfair trade practices has already been drafted, and there will also be amendments to the Law on State Market Inspectorate in order to increase the institution’s powers. The public will additionally be informed towards the end of this and the beginning of next week, said Bekteshi.

On September 14, the Government banned retailers from selling agricultural and food products as part of promotional or discount sales, except for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The ban will last until November 30.

Photo: MIA Archive