Welcomed move but still early days. This was the review some customers and management from supermarket chains reported today, as the Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain items on supermarket shelves were lifted at the start of the day as promised by Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
When a team from Barbados TODAY visited the Popular Discount outlet in Spooners Hill, St Michael during the midday period, moderate traffic was seen as some consumers did their weekly shopping during their lunch break. One supervisor from that location said business was good during the morning period and that some customers had made their way into the location to take advantage of the reduced prices on selected goods.
Meanwhile, Director of Carlton and A1 Supermarkets, Tomlinson Bynoe, who spoke briefly during the afternoon, said that any real difference in consumer behaviour because of price changes will not be seen for some time, as this reduction in prices on certain goods is expected to last into January.
“Honestly, unlike the VAT free holiday consumers had before, this new move by the Government is only on certain items, some of which consumers would not normally purchase at all, or on a consistent basis. So overall they would be pleased with any savings they can get at the moment, but you would not see the rush in the same way as the VAT free holiday.” (SB)
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