Suva abuzz with backto-school shopping

Suva City was alive with activities yesterday as parents and children began their back-toschool shopping. Post Fiji Shop was packed with parents and children gathering school stationery as they get prepare for a new school year. Mother of three, Elenoa Lewavunivalu of Cunningham, was one of those shopping yesterday. She was with her eldest daughter, who is entering Year Five at Suva Methodist Primary School,

“Compared to last year, the prices of exercise books have increased this year,” Mr Lewavunivalu said.

She said despite the increase, a budget was set aside specifically for her daughter’s back-to-school items. “We spent about $89 for her exercise books compared to $50 last year,” she said. DAV College Year 11 student, Dewashna Prasad was also shopping with her mother and sister. “We are planning to buy about 15 exercise books and stationeries as well,” Ms Prasad said. The family would also be buying bags and shoes. Despite the prices, the family told Fiji Sun they wouldn’t be exceeding their allocated budget. The Consumer Council of Fiji has advised shoppers to examine the quality and conditions of books and stationeries during this busy period. They have also advised consumers to check their receipts to check the actual amount they pay. The Council had also received a complaint where someone had bought an exercise book from a particular bookshop in Suva. But after reaching home, he noticed that the back cover of the book was torn.

The Council’s intervention enabled the complainant to obtain a new book from the bookshop as a replacement. Consumers are advised to ask traders questions if they are confused about the products they purchase or about the price they pay for them. Consumers are able to report anything suspicious to the Council at any of their offices in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa or through the National Consumer Helpline-toll free number, 155.

Consumers are advised to ask traders questions if they are confused about the products they purchase or about the price they pay for them.

Parents with their children at the Post Fiji shop for their back to school shopping in Suva.