4 supermarkets found selling overpriced goods

MANILA—Four major supermarkets in Pasig, Mandaluyong and Makati have been found selling Noche Buena items at prices higher than the suggested retail prices issued by the Department of Trade and Industry.

In a statement, the DTI identified these as the Ever Gotesco Supermarket on Ortigas Extension; Landmark Supermarket in Makati City; Rustan’s Supermarket in Shangri-La, Mandaluyong City; and Super 8 on Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba, officer in charge of the consumer welfare and business regulation group at the DTI, said these supermarkets were found selling Noche Buena products whose prices were higher by 50 centavos to P21.25 than the suggested retail prices.

“We already issued show-cause orders to these [supermarkets] to explain the high prices of their products,” Dimagiba said.

The products which were sold higher than the suggested retail prices include ham, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, mayonnaise, pasta/spaghetti, elbow and salad macaroni, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce and cream.

Dimagiba lauded six supermarkets within Metro Manila which were selling Noche Buena products at suggested retail prices or even lower.

These were identified as Liana’s Supermarket in Pasay City; Rustan’s Supermarket in Makati City; SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket, both in Makati City; Robinsons Galleria Supermarket in Ortigas; and Welcome Supermarket Metro Point in Pasay City.

“We commend these supermarkets for conforming to the SRPs of Noche Buena products. This shows that intensified monitoring of prices works for the benefit of everybody, business and consumers. We call on other establishments to follow their lead to ensure that prices of Noche Buena products are reasonable this Christmas season,” Dimagiba said.

Due to the intensified price monitoring activities conducted over the past two weeks, the DTI has already issued show cause orders to a total of nine supermarkets that were found to be selling Noche Buena products above the suggested retail prices.

“The DTI enjoins all retailers to stop selling overpriced Noche Buena products and comply with the SRP. For the consumers, we urge you to get involved by reporting to us those stores that sell above the SRP,” Dimagiba said.

Consumers were also advised to ensure that the price tag or shelf price of a product is the same with the price at the cashier; and to carefully check and compare the prices and weights of competing brands.

A complete list of suggested retail prices for Noche Buena products may be seen on the DTI website.