According to data from the platform “Halo, Inspector!”, which organized store boycotts in Croatia, spending in the country decreased by a total of 108 million euros over a period of three weeks, of which 75 million euros was lost in just three boycott Fridays.
Out of 19 analyzed days, 16 recorded a drop in spending, Croatian media reported.
“The first consumer boycott in Croatia united us, raised awareness, gave consumers a voice, reduced overall spending, and triggered a reaction. The boycott was successful, no matter what the other side tells you,” the platform “Halo, Inspector!” posted on Facebook.
The initiative emphasizes that the boycott was a strong tool for immediate pressure but that its reach was time-limited. Although the third Friday did not have the same mass participation as the first, its impact was noticeable. The organizers stress that they are not discouraged and will not give up on further actions.
The boycott resulted in certain interventions – freezing the prices of some products and increasing discount offers. However, they warn that these measures are only temporary and do not represent a real solution to the problem of uncontrolled price increases.
The organizers highlight that two goals have already been achieved: it has been demonstrated that consumers have collective power and can mobilize, and the issue of rising prices and inadequate regulation has been brought into focus for the public and relevant institutions.
The third goal – halting price increases and achieving price stabilization – has not yet been reached. It is now up to the authorities to find a lasting solution, they add.
Consumers are still waiting for retailers to answer the key question: why did the prices of products for which VAT was reduced to 5% continue to rise, in some cases by more than 40%?
The answer to this question lies in greed and opportunism, according to the initiative, which announces the continuation of the fight for fairer prices, more honest trading practices, and stronger market oversight.
