BUYERS BEWARE!

Cross Roads store breaches consumers’ rights

It is a clear case of buyer beware, when consumers enters a particular store in the Silver Slipper Plaza in Cross Roads, St. Andrew. This, as the store has several practices, which are in breach of consumer regulations, despite being spoken to by the Consumer Affairs Commission.

Prices differ
Customers are not allowed to try on more than a foot of shoe at any one time, the prices displayed on items for sale differ from that of the actual sale price, and customers do not get a proper receipt. “Store policy,” was all the proprietor was willing to say in explaining why.
The store, located on the longest end of the plaza, is one of two that have no obvious names displayed anywhere. The store is divided into three sections. The first has several items like wigs and deodorant on display behind a meshed enclosure. To the left, there are shoes on display in the open. There is also another meshed enclosure where bags and household items are on displayed.
It was the attempt to purchase a pair of shoes, that the first breach in consumer regulations was observed. The desired shoe was identified and a clerk was told the required size. She promptly fetched the pair of shoes and then passed one foot through an opening in the meshed enclosure. When the second foot of shoe was requested, she replied, “yuh have to try it on one foot at a time.

‘Store policy’
THE STAR asked about that and was directed to a man of oriental descent. “store policy,” was his response to all questions posed to him, including one about what his name is.
After handing back one foot of shoe, the other was passed through the same opening. The star then decided to purchase the pair of shoes and was confronted with another strange practice. The price displayed on the shoe read $1,150, but THE STAR was asked to pay $1,200.
Why. THE STAR asked? No response was offered.
The only reaction to the queries was the oriental man handing over a ‘receipt’, which had the figure 1,200 printed twice.
According to a spokesman from the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), the receipt is ‘faulty at best’. They told THE STAR that every receipt must indicate the goods purchased and the date. The spokesman also told THE STAR they have received numerous complaints about the store and have also spoken to the proprietors who also declined to give their names.
The CAC said that the store’s refusal to allow its customers to try on one pair of shoes amounted to preventing customers from coming to a fair and balanced decision. Despite this, the CAC said their hands are tied and they could do nothing about such a situation until consumer protection legislation is passed next year. However there is still some redress.
“The customer can take action against the store personally,” said a CAC spokesman.
Patrons of the store, though, did not seem to mind its policies. “Dem tings nuh bad still,” said Marlene James, a teacher.

This picture of a pair of shoes purchased at the store in Cross Road and the receipt is proof of purchase. This investigation was done by THE STAR.