Retailers in Canada United in Condemning Price Gouging

TORONTO, March 28, 2020 /CNW/ - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and our retail members stand together in denouncing unacceptable price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Price gouging is unethical, especially now.  The Canadian retail community knows manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers are doing everything they can to keep prices in check. Even though there is currently upward pressure on price as the Canadian dollar falls and increased costs are passed through the supply chain, we are united in supporting that price gouging is unacceptable.

The economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic are unprecedented. The incredible, sometimes devastating, impact is being felt by all citizens.

"As retailers, we have a direct relationship with our customers. Price gouging on essential products during times of crisis is a violation of that relationship" said Diane J. Brisebois, President & CEO of the Retail Council of Canada. "As all levels of government work to protect the health of every person, we pledge to continue to support Canadian families by ensuring access to reasonably priced goods, when and where they are needed."

About Retail Council of Canada

Retail is Canada's largest employer with 2.1 million Canadians working in our industry. The sector annually generates over $76 billion in wages and employee benefits. Core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) were $377 billion in 2018. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members represent more than two thirds of retail sales in the country. RCC is a not-for-profit, industry-funded association that represents small, medium and large retail businesses in every community across the country. As the Voice of Retailtm in Canada, we proudly represent more than 45,000 storefronts in all retail formats, including department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers and online merchants. www.RetailCouncil.org

SOURCE Retail Council of Canada