When it comes to pandemic-related price gouging at local retail stores, Marin County shoppers have become savvy, reporting the cases to county authorities.
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Stefan Pardim, Marin's Agricultural Commissioner and Director of Weights and Measures, told KCBS Radio in 2021 Marin residents reported multiple cases of suspected price gouging for all kinds of basic household goods.
"People are questioning prices more and that’s exactly what we want people to do," he said. "They should call our office if they really think they're being price gouged, comparing prices at one store to another store."
Inspectors in San Rafael have issued 150 notices of violation for consumer products, including for retailers charging astronomical prices for COVID-19 tests.
In a side-by-side comparison of pre and post pandemic in 2016 to 2020, the County of Marin found that there had been an 80.5% increase in notices of violation issued and a 263% increase in items found to be overcharged to customers.
Residents "need to be aware of what they're paying and if something seems too high, it just may be," Pardim urged.
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