Almost sold out - Which goods is on promotional price cuts?

Weekend promotion, the best promo, XXL promo, weekly activity, monthly activity, etc. For years now, it has been almost impossible to watch TV, listen to the radio, read newspapers and visit a website without, whether we like it or no, finding out which products can be bought at lower prices in shops where the best offer and the best purchase is, at least according to trade chains which advertise.

Basic groceries, cosmetics, households chemistry are available at promotional prices. The offer mainly changes on weekly or a two-weeks basis and at the same time when there are regular promotional price cuts, trade chains often surprise buyers with “extraordinary’ price cuts for best-selling products. However, it is thought that “lower” mainly refers to products where expiry date is near or the ones which are rarely sold.

Nevena Maletic from Belgrade says that whenever she needs something from house chemistry , she waits for price cuts because, for instance, laundry detergent and liquid for dishes are always at promotion.

"Fight" for customers

In her interview for "eKapija" Martina Petrovic, PR Manager a "Delhaize Serbia" which operates though trade chains "Maxi", "Tempo" and "Shop&Go" says all activities are organized to attract more customers.

(Photo: Maxi.ba)

Our collocutor adds ads that mainly prices at products which are important for customers are decreased which are new or popular in the season.

-The price cut depends on readiness of a supplier to participate in cuts with us – Petrovic explains

Fresh, semi-fresh, old

There is often mistrust or indecisiveness among customers when it comes to regularity and shelf life of food which is on promotion. In the world, the practice is to cut prices of goods where shelf life expires in a month or two so it is a common case here. Still, traders say there is no clear difference.

PR Manager at "Delhaize Serbia" says they have price cuts that every day in a year in all shops. Still, it does not mean that all products sell better when at an auction.

She adds that due to decline in purchasing power and a wish of consumers to keep home budget, traders advertise their offers on television.

The data of the Ministry of trade, tourism and telecommunications which showed that the average consumer basket in March 2015 totaled almost RSD 67.000, a minimal RSD 35.000 is favorable. If it is taken into an account that an average salary in Serbia in March totaled RSD 43.000, calculation is clear – for one average consumer basket it takes 1,55 average salaries.

-Although at the moment, one can feel a slight market decline, we sincerely believe that the second half of the year will be more favorable for consumers – our collocutor says.

As for the goods payment collection, she confirms that in Serbia, cash payment has still been ranked first. Cards follow at the second distant position and cheks as the least used payment means.

D.S.