More application for sales promo permits filed at DTI

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry-Cebu has noted an increase on request for sales promotion permits due to the opening of a new mall in Cebu City and the onset of Christmas season.

Zaide Bation, consumer welfare and business regulation chief, revealed yesterday the agency had issued a total of 168 sales promo permits last month, a 50% increase from 112 in October. That is also 75% higher compared to 96 permits issued in November last year.

Bation said the agency had issued last month 34 promo permits to the newly opened SM Seaside alone, including the mall’s tenants. DTI-Cebu also issued permits to several other big retailers in Cebu.

“This month (December) we’re expecting more permits to be issued,” she told The FREEMAN in an interview yesterday.

She said the peak months for sales promo are November (for All Souls Day), December (for Christmas), January (for New Year, Sinulog and Valentines Day) and June (for back-to-school promos).

A surge in sales promo issuance normally happens in the last quarter of the year, the DTI official said.

A sales promo may include price reduction, redemption, raffle, contest, premium and combo.

Most issued permits are for price reduction which can come in a form of year-end sale, inventory sale, clearance sale and close-out sale, among others.

“Price reduction is being done for perishable items, to unload inventories and to fast move products,”  DTI said.

Bation said about 55% of permit applicants are supermarkets, 30% are department stores and the rest are service centers, gas stations and restaurants, among others. (FREEMAN)