Lotfi Riahi Calls for Discount Law Review Amid Declining Sales Season Demand in Tunisia

On a recent Wednesday, Lotfi Riahi, the President of the Consumer Guidance Organization in Tunisia, highlighted a concerning trend: a significant decline in demand during the winter sales season of 2025. In his candid conversation with Tunisie Numérique, Riahi pointed out several factors contributing to this downturn.

Franchise Agreements and Imported Goods Impact Local Economy

One of the primary reasons for the reduced consumer interest, according to Riahi, lies in franchise agreements under original brand names. These arrangements, alongside the influx of low-quality foreign products being sold at high prices, have adversely affected local businesses. The surge in imported goods has led not only to increased unemployment rates but also to the shuttering of many Tunisian factories, as they struggle to compete with these international competitors.

Tunisians' Purchasing Power on the Decline

The issue doesn't stop at foreign products; Riahi acknowledged that a decline in Tunisians’ purchasing power has also played its part. With financial constraints becoming tighter for many households, coupled with dissatisfaction over product quality, consumers are less inclined to make purchases during sales.

Urgent Need for Transparency in Sales Practices

Riahi stressed the importance of clarity and fairness in sales practices. He criticized the current trend where discounted items were being mixed with new, full-priced products, causing confusion among shoppers. To address this issue, he advocated for a straightforward policy: discounts should apply to all merchandise displayed within retail spaces.

A Call to Action for Regulatory Review

Given these challenges, Lotfi Riahi has called upon authorities to review the current discount law. His aim is to ensure that sales practices are both transparent and fair, ultimately benefiting consumers and supporting local businesses.

By addressing these concerns, Tunisia can hope to revive consumer interest in its seasonal sales, providing a much-needed boost to the economy while ensuring fairness for shoppers.