COUNTY LEGISLATOR ABINANTI WANTS TO KNOW IF YOU SUPPORT CONTINUATION OF ITEM PRICING...
I support Tom's position on this consumer protection matter---think that retail stores should mark prices on each item.
County Considers Fee in Lieu of Item Pricing
The Board of Legislators is considering changing the County’s consumer protection law that requires retail stores to mark a price on each item in addition to having a shelf label at its meeting on Monday, April 27, 2009.
The proposed change would permit some stores to avoid having to put a price on individual items. These stores would be required to pay a fee and, in some cases, install scanners in their stores for use by the public. For example, retail stores over 30,000 square feet would be required to install 3 scanners. Stores under 1,500 square feet would be exempt from the scanner requirement, but customers will be able to have their item scanned upon request.
Proponents say the change will reduce costs to businesses and still protect consumers.
Those who want to preserve item pricing say scanners are not viable substitutes for prices on individual items. Eliminating prices on individual items will require shoppers to rely on shelf labels and a limited number of scanners, and will make it more difficult for shoppers to compare prices within and between stores and to catch checkout pricing errors.
I have concerns about the proposed changes to a law that has served Westchester consumers well for the past 34 years. I would like to hear from consumers. E mail Tom Abinanti at tjaesq@aol.com. Let him know what you think about this important consumer protection measure. I'd also like to know what you think.
PAUL FEINER
