The Minister of Employment, Economy and Consumers, Kris Peeters (Flemish Christian Democrats) wishes to remove the waiting period for the sales, which goes against European legislation. This is reported today (Monday) in De Morgen and Het Laatste Nieuws.
During the waiting period, adverts for reductions are prohibited, so that consumers cannot determine whether a product would be less expensive in the sales. It also acts as protectiton to small shop owners who cannot undertake the large scale promotional activities that large shop chains can.
However, these provisions are in conflict with European consumer protection law and commercial practices. It has not been decided when this period will be doomed to disappear in Belgium. "The waiting period is, from now on, largely avoided", Mr Peeter's spokesperson said, in particular through cut-price distributions or tie-on sales, which are allowed during this period.
The Brussels Times
