Retail group expects strong basket sales
Sales of New Year gift baskets are expected to grow by at least 10 per cent from last year, thanks to recovered consumer sentiment and stronger economic growth, the Thai Retailers Association (TRA) said.
The Internal Trade Department yesterday asked traders to label the baskets with their price and details of the goods they contain to ensure fair treatment of consumers. If they fail to do so, they will be subject to a fine of Bt10,000 under the Prices of Goods and Services Act.
Chatrchai Tuongratanaphan, executive director of the TRA, said spending for New Year gifts should rise significantly thanks to the better outlook on economic growth and future incomes.
The association’s forecast of 10-per-cent growth contrasts with last year’s decline due to the flood.
He said the TRA had responded to the government’s demand for clear labelling on New Year baskets. Goods in the gift baskets will have shelf lives of at least three months. Consumers can rest assured that they would get quality goods at fair prices.
Wiboonlasana Ruamraksa, director-general of the department, said consumers should benefit from clearer labelling with readable font sizes. The labels will include price, quantity and expiration date.
To make sure traders are playing fair during the New Year celebrations, the department will send out inspection teams nationwide, focusing on bus terminals, trading stations and retail shops.
