The head of the Supermarkets Association Rajiv Diptee has admitted that sales at supermarkets across the country are much lower than they were at the same time last year.
However, he is expecting sales to pick up from this weekend, with Christmas exactly one week away.
He said any price shocks which took place during the initial shutdown period had been corrected, and the association has been working with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure a consistent supply and consistent pricing.
“My message to customers is that now is the best time to be in the stores, as there are a lot of deals and promotions that are benefiting customers at this time.”
The traditional Christmas purchases include tin biscuits, chocolates, sparkling wines, hams and dried fruits and Diptee said “These items are hot and we have plentiful supplies at the stores for all the customers right now.”
Although supermarkets were given the all clear to open 24 hours, Diptee said this was not feasible for most supermarkets.
He said “We have noticed that public servants are being paid on December 21, so the only 24-hour operation will possibly be on December 22 and 23. We have arranged to roster staff and additional security, for these periods, and will be opening much later in the final two to three days before Christmas.”
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