 Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 16: Under the nose of authorities, several multinational brands, selling various items, have been openly looting the customers across Jammu province by charging Rs 3, 5, 7 for their own promotional carry bags.
Pertinently, acting on a complaint, the Chandigarh Consumer Forum has slammed a fine of Rs 9000 on Bata India Limited for asking the customer to pay Rs 3 for paper bag.
A large number of customers, who frequently visit the showrooms of multinational brand in Jammu, informed Early Times that whenever the visit these showrooms of retail items, clothes, footwear, and confectionary items, the salesmen offer carry bags. "We purchase items from the showroom, but they charge Rs 3 or 5 for small bags and Rs 7 for big carry bags", a customer said.
Another customer said that whenever he visited the Big Bazaar's store at Jewel, they used to charge Rs. 7 for a carry bag. "Most of the customers didn't object to charging money for the promotional carry bags of the big brands, but whenever we raise voice the employees replied that it is the company's policy and they are merely employees", another customer said, adding that it was sheer loot by these brands and it accounted for deficiency in service of the brand.
Sources in the Metrological department informed Early Times that so far they have not received any complaint from any customer. But the department has already taken suo-moto cognizance of the matter and notices have already been issued to Trendz, Store-99, Big Bazaar. Public relation officers of these stores could not be reached for their comment.
"These brands have been asked to explain their position. Replies have been awaited and if their replies will not be satisfactory, the issue will be forwarded to the court of the law", an official said.
The official further said that customers should also come forward with their complaints against these brands for any type of extra-charging, and the department would definitely take action. |