Although some people find it easier shopping online if they cannot get out much, do try to remember to shop local this year for all your Christmas presents. There is great variety on the Island. Ed
WITH MORE and more Christmas shopping being done online, IW Council Trading Standards officers will be out and about giving advice on how to steer clear of possible pitfalls.
As part of National Consumer Week, Island trading standards experts will be offering advice to consumers on what their rights are when shopping on the net.
Some 20 million people shopped online last year, spending more than £21 billion — but many of them are in the dark about their rights and the potential dangers, according to the Trading Standards Institute.
The aim of National Consumer Week, in partnership with the institute and Consumer Direct is to warn of these perils.
To this end, the Isle of Wight Trading Standards Service is highlighting consumers rights in displays in Newport Library ( Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 12, 13 and 14 November 9-5pm), Freshwater Library (Wednesday 14 November 9.15-5pm) and Ryde Library Ryde (Monday 12 November 9-5 pm).
Also on Thursday, (15 November 9.30-4.30pm) members of staff will man a display at Tesco in Ryde handing out information to customers.
Richard Stone, IW Council Trading Standards Manager said: “The Service continuously monitors websites of local businesses giving advice on compliance.
“All members of the Trading Standards Trader Approval Scheme Buy With Confidence have their websites checked before becoming members.”
Cllr Diana Tuson, IW Council cabinet member for Safer Communities, said: “With on line shopping becoming ever more popular, it is timely that we offer advice to people, not only to help them protect their consumer rights but also to help make sure they get a good deal.”
