Puerto Rico’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO) has launched efforts to monitor Black Friday sales, with interim Secretary Erwin 'Farito' Álvarez announcing the activation of the Office of Compliance and Commercial Liaison (OCEC) to guide merchants on the laws and regulations governing retail transactions. Álvarez said the goal is for OCEC staff to begin evaluating practices involving shoppers, returns and rainchecks that businesses will promote and implement for the Early Bird Sales on November 27. 'We want to make clear to merchants each and every statute they need to adhere to for this event.
Prevention is the key. The aim is to watch over the consumer at all times,' he explained. The secretary said OCEC will hold talks on payment methods and policies on product availability and returns, among other topics.
The guidance will focus on the rules set out in Regulation 9158 on Commercial Practices of February 6, 2020, which governs most retail transactions on the island. Álvarez also called on consumers to report any issue related to Black Friday sales through the agency’s social media platforms, DACO a tu favor, on Facebook, Instagram and X.