There were quite a few complaints from consumers during and after Christmas, regarding the various gifts they received, since it seems that several stores did not accept their changes or consumers were faced with some problems, effectively depriving them of the opportunity to change these gifts and buy for example something else they like.
The specific complaints actually reached a double digit number, which particularly troubled the Consumers' Association, since as the president of the Association, Marios Drousiotis, pointed out to the REPORTER, these concerned, by an overwhelming majority, the exchange of gifts and various products. As he explained, “it was something that was within the warnings of the Consumers Association, to consider before buying a gift that they will receive and whether the store accepts alterations. It seems that consumers did not follow our instructions and the overwhelming majority of complaints were that they go back to the store where they bought something and they don't exchange it or it doesn't have something they like or it's not the size they want ».
However, it is noteworthy that the problem with product changes is not defined by law and it is up to each store to decide whether to accept a gift back or not. “This practice is the store's choice. So in this case, because they are gifts we give and in gifts we often fall out, as it is not for us to buy something, so quite a few of them need to be changed. Before buying a gift, we should ask each store for their return policy, because there are stores that do not accept returns and there are those that tell you specific days and times when you can return products”.
< p>Usually, as Mr. Drousiotis explained, there are time restrictions in the stores and the voucher that will be given is given for a certain time frame for changes. “However, because they are not regulated by law, there are these problems among consumers, with dozens of complaints to date”.
Prices for January and what to expect
As for prices, they are divided into three categories. Food, fuel and clothing/shoes. According to Mr. Drousiotis, in clothing and footwear we remain at the same levels of the last three months, as in food, without increases during the holidays. As far as fuel is concerned, we have had noticeable price reductions in the last few days.
As estimated, fuel in January is going to remain at the same prices and probably slightly increased. “Three and a half cent reductions have already been announced and I personally predicted that these reductions would be the last. There will be a stabilization in the next period I think and immediately after an increase. In terms of food and other services, they will remain at the same levels, while in terms of clothing and footwear, the following month is the month of sales, so we will have a noticeable reduction in these markets”.
