**Buen Fin Kicks Off in Tijuana; Consumers Warned About “Phantom Discounts”**
In Tijuana, the much-anticipated shopping event Buen Fin has officially begun, running from November 15th to 18th. Oscar Zárate Chávez, Regional Head of the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO) in Tijuana, has advised consumers to be vigilant about potential “phantom discounts” – discounts that are advertised but not actually applied.
Zárate Chávez recommends that shoppers compare prices before purchasing, ensure that discounts are applied at checkout, and report any discrepancies to the federal agency via email at [email protected] or by calling 664-684-8704.
The President of the National Chamber of Commerce (CANACO) in Tijuana, Julián Palombo Saucedo, pointed out that prior meetings with city plaza directors were held to urge businesses to implement and honor real discounts. “We requested that they not inflate product prices before applying discounts. Any business failing to comply should be reported to PROFECO,” stressed Palombo.
Economically, Buen Fin is expected to generate around 5.8 million pesos in Tijuana, a slight increase from last year’s 5.7 million pesos. “This year, our expectations are higher, partly due to the peso-dollar exchange rate which encourages cross-border shopping,” remarked Palombo. Nevertheless, the anticipated economic impact represents only a 1.75% increase compared to the previous year.
**Tijuana’s Economic Outlook for Buen Fin 2024**
With the launch of Buen Fin, Tijuana businesses are preparing for an influx of shoppers looking for deals. The peso’s strength against the dollar could potentially drive more U.S. consumers to purchase goods in Mexico, stretching their dollar further. This crossover shopping trend underlines the importance of ensuring that advertised discounts are genuine.
Local officials are emphasizing transparency in sales practices, encouraging consumers to use PROFECO’s channels to report any instances of misleading pricing. This proactive approach aims to foster a fair and competitive market environment during the shopping event.
As businesses and consumers gear up for Buen Fin’s bustling weekend, the focus remains on maintaining trust and delivering tangible savings that uphold the spirit of this annual shopping celebration.