Council Alerts Consumers On Easter Shopping Pitfalls

April 15, 2025 Easter isn’t just hot cross buns and long weekends—it’s one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. As families stock up for gatherings, consumers are urged to stay sharp and spend wise. Easter shopping should leave you with full baskets—not empty wallets. While we gear up for the festive rush, the Consumer Council of Fiji is sounding the alarm on sneaky Easter shopping pitfalls, from "discounts" that aren’t sweet to expired treats hiding in plain sight.

“Scammers also love a holiday hustle," warns Ms Shandil. "But with a few sharp moves, consumers can outsmart them. Unfortunately, we see an increase in complaints during festive periods, where consumers fall victim to unethical practices such as misleading pricing/advertisements, sale of poor-quality products, unethical sales tactics to rush buying decisions, online shopping scams to name a few. While we push for fair trade, once again we would urge shoppers to stay vigilant”.

"As Easter approaches, the Council has ramped up its monitoring and outreach, collaborating with both consumers and retailers nationwide to promote fair trading practices. “We are encouraging consumers to take the time to check what they’re buying, understand their rights, and speak up if something seems off. The Council is here to help resolve complaints and ensure that no one is left in the dark when it comes to product safety, fair pricing, or redress,” said Ms Shandil.

The Council stands ready to assist all consumers this Easter and beyond. Shoppers are encouraged to remain alert, stay informed, and help ensure that this festive season is one of joy, not frustration. Consumers who need further advice or assistance are advised should call the National Consumer Helpline on toll-free number 155

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