ACS campaign aims to name and shame profiteers

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has launched a new campaign to tackle those profiteering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The trade body asked retailers to name and shame those who are attempting to raise prices unfairly and take advantage of consumers.

James Lowman, chief executive of the ACS, said: “By going the extra mile, retailers and their colleagues have bolstered the reputation of the local convenience store and reinforced the message that it is at the heart the community.

“This reputation must not be allowed to be tarnished by a handful of rogue businesses that are trying to profiteer on the back of wider uncertainty.”

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Lowman urged retailers to report any instances of profiteering to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which has launched a taskforce to check unscrupulous business practices during the COVID-19 crisis.

Will Hayter, senior director at CMA, said: “We welcome the call from the Association of Convenience Stores for its members to report unfair business practices to our taskforce. While the vast majority of businesses are working hard to support communities across the UK, we will do whatever is required, within our powers, to stop those who might try to use the COVID-19 pandemic to exploit people.”

The campaign also highlights to customers the issues that some retailers are facing with supply during this time, asking customers to be understanding when some price rises and increased sourcing costs have to be passed on.

The business complaint service is available here.