To safeguard the economy of Panamanian households at the start of the school year, the Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition Defense (Acodeco) has concluded its first operation to verify prices on school uniforms and supplies. During the visits, a significant disparity in the costs of the items was found, reinforcing the need for citizens to consult official price comparison tools. The monitoring covered everything from regulated clothing and footwear to basic stationery. This fieldwork, carried out by the Department of Price Information and Verification (DIPREV), aims to offer transparency in a market marked by seasonality and high demand. Officials visited key commercial hubs with high foot traffic in Panama City, including Albrook Mall, the shopping centers of Los Andes and Los Pueblos, as well as various establishments in the center of San Miguelito and La Gran Estación. The authority emphasized that the information collected strictly corresponds to the establishments visited during the inspection period and reminded that the prices of uniforms and school supplies are governed by the principle of free supply and demand. To facilitate public consultation, Acodeco has made the complete and detailed list of stores and their respective values available on its official digital portal. It is strongly recommended to compare prices between different suppliers, thoroughly check the quality of the materials to ensure their durability, and, as mandatory, demand the purchase invoice for any potential claims. This initiative is part of the authority's commitment to prevent abuses and promote informed decisions that will directly benefit the budgets of Panamanian families during this school season.
