A store in Australia has had it with shoppers who browse, but don’t buy. Managers have imposed a “just looking” fee of $5 per shopper who tries to leave the store without buying anything.
“As of the first of February, this store will be charging people a $5 fee for just looking,” a sign posted in the store window reads, as reported by the Blaze. “The $5 fee will be deducted when goods are purchased.”
The store is Celiac Supplies, a gluten-free grocery located in Brisbane. Store owners say its policy is aimed at dissuading competition and combating the loss of revenues that result from individuals who “use this store as a reference and then purchase goods elsewhere,” the Blaze reports.
The sign also says: “This policy is in line with many other clothing, shoe and electronic stores who are also facing the same issue.”
The Daily Finance says American businesses face similar competitive issues. Shoppers at Target and Best Buy often browse the stores, try out products and then buy them for cheaper prices at Amazon. But Daily Finance says U.S. businesses don’t impose a browsing fee, but rather offer price-matching deals to compete with online shoppers.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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