The former President of the National Consumers Association (NCA) has urged Saint Lucians to watch their spending after most respondents in a business survey reported a surge in sales and revenue.
The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture did the survey during February and March 2024.
According to the Chamber, most respondents reported growth in sales and revenue.
“Specifically, 77% of respondents indicated increased sales in Q4 2023 compared to Q3 2023, and 71% reported higher sales in Q4 compared to the same period in 2022. This positive trend suggests that the ongoing economic recovery following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions continues,” a release from the private sector organisation said.
Former President of Saint Lucia’s National Consumers Association (NCA) Kingsley St. Hill asserted that people continue buying things they do not need even as prices spike.
“We continue buying things that we want,” St. Hill told St. Lucia Times.
“When there is a price hike, remember that if the markup was thirty percent on an item and the price was $100, the supplier will be making $30 on $100. If the price moves up to $200 at the same price markup, thirty percent of $200 is $60,” the former NCA President noted.
“That is what is happening. So, we, as consumers, have to start thinking. For example, we are now in mango season. Why must we be buying juice in supermarkets for our children? Make juice. Teach your children to make juice,” St. Hill declared.
He noted that such local juices are healthier than those people buy in the supermarkets.
“Those juices that have preservatives are no good for us,” St. Hill stated.
He observed that people are under pressure to believe that what they have in terms of dress and other items is not good enough.
“We are now told that last year’s smartphones and computers are no longer suitable. We must have the latest. Why are you getting the latest smartphone? To do what?” The former NCA President told St. Lucia Times.
He noted that marketers are putting people under pressure to buy.
“We must buy things because we need them, not because you want them or because other people have them. That is my message to consumers,” St. Hill said.
Use excel
And Chas is doing like the dog who keeps shouting “the moon is falling”. And he is doing everything to crash and burn everything. The Crow says that Chas is an opportunist who knows he has but a short time.
“We continue buying things that we want,” St. Hill told St. Lucia Times.
A genius has spoken.
Instead of only telling consumers to be mindful of their spending which is a valid point.. why don’t they also re-evaluate the costing of certain goods and services to determine whether any changes can be made to alleviate any financial burdons?
Economize? These reports are laughable. You must think most people are gullible. With the current prices versus one’s salary lucins are doing alot of prioritizing. Give me a break