Tales from the Shutdown: Gouge Away
Sometimes, panic and shutdown brings out the worst of humanity. Such as gross opportunism at local stores.
One Chinatown informant tells us that some neighborhood stores are marking up the most sought-after goods during this COVID-19 outbreak. For instance, the Hong Kong Supermarket at 157 Hester Street. Items like alcohol prep pads – $20 for a box of 100; or $40 for a package of 4 safety glasses; empty spray bottles for $10 a pop; or $28 for a box of 100 nitrile gloves.
Especially egregious, though, is this box of children’s face masks priced at $100 for 20 N95 masks at the 154 East Broadway locksmith. Preying on the fears of parents.
Mayor de Blasio also threatened in a Tweet Saturday that the city will fine any store caught price gouging the essentials.
Are these examples of price gouging? You be the judge.
We will find ANY business up to $500 if they try to price gouge face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. This is a time for New Yorkers to come together — not take advantage of each other.
If you see price gouging, contact 311.https://t.co/mnin27dBOX
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) March 21, 2020
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