Leading Convenience Association says Reputable Retail Brands are getting caught up in Price Gouging Claims

We are here to help says CEO

The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) says it is working closely with the ACCC to ensure that reputable retail brands are not caught up in the ‘naming and shaming’ of stores that are price gouging on Rapid Antigen Tests.

Theo Foukkare, CEO of the AACS, which has over 6500 retail and supplier members, and represents major convenience retail brands said: ‘We fully condemn any retail outlet price gouging on the sale of RATs. We want to ensure that reputable retailers aren’t tarnished with the same brush as those doing the wrong thing. There has been a lot of misinformation being reported and then corrected in the public arena and we would not want this to negatively impact on our reputable retail brands in the convenience and service station sector.

‘Convenience and petrol stores across the nation have played a critical role within community since the pandemic began and we are here to continue to facilitate wherever we can in keeping our communities safe, whilst providing them with essential goods and services through these difficult times’ Mr Foukkare added

‘Our members are working around the clock to secure RATs direct from suppliers for their communities. However, in some instances they have had to buy product through 2nd and 3rd hand distributors to ensure consumer availability is maintained’

‘Our Members & AACS will continue to work with suppliers, the government and the ACCC to ensure RATs are available and priced appropriately to support public health and economic objectives’ Mr Foukkare concluded.