As families gear up for a busy shopping week in the lead up to Diwali next week, the Suva Retailers Association is calling on businesses to practice good business ethics.

Consumers have often complained about being duped by retailers during the festive season.

Suva Retailers Association, President Vinay Kumar says retailers need to ensure that consumers who spend their hard earned money are not exploited.

“I think it also comes down to the individual retailer to have standards, to uphold standards and there are laws protecting consumers so I think if you have been short changed I think you should take it up to the right authorities.”

Consumer Council of Fiji Chief Executive, Premila Kumar says there have been cases in the past where expired products have been dumped into the market.

Kumar says traders should refrain from cheating on consumers.

“Just be ethical, be fair to consumers and sell the products as we expect and not to dupe consumers by using various tactics to get rid of your old stock.”

The council is calling on consumers to make use of the national consumer help line 1-5-5 if they face any problems during their shopping.