Traders Demand Legal Rules Amid Unfair Online Sales Surge

Mauritian traditional shopkeepers are warning of potential ‘asphyxiation’ and calling for immediate legal intervention as the explosion of online commerce, described as “unfair competition,” drives a sharp decline in physical retail activity.

The most newsworthy element is the core conflict: the rapid expansion of unregulated online selling is directly threatening the existence of established, legitimate businesses.

Growing Crisis in Retail

Traditional traders across Mauritius are sounding the alarm over the meteoric rise of online sales, which they argue constitutes “unfair competition” and is driving them to the brink. They are urgently demanding legal regulation to level the playing field.

The proliferation of online selling pages on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp—now joined by newcomers like Temu—is altering consumer habits and significantly worrying established retailers already struggling with a difficult economic climate.

Raj Appadu, President of the Common Front of Traders of Mauritius, described the trend as a “worldwide movement,” noting that the clothing sector is currently the hardest hit by online competition.

While other product categories have not yet seen the full impact, he stated, “We are not safe from anything.”

Call for Regulation and Fair Play

Retail representatives highlight that unregulated online vendors, lacking the costs associated with physical premises, rent, and permits, can offer “unbeatable prices,” creating an uneven competitive environment.

• Hyder Rahman, President of the Victoria Urban Terminal Stall Holder Association, said that legitimate small traders, who pay rent, permits, and operate within a strict legal framework, are “disadvantaged.” He confirmed the boom in online sales has caused a “consequent drop in footfall” in traditional shops.
• “The one who pays their rent cannot compete with the one who has no charges,” stated Mr. Rahman. He, however, expressed hope as the government has reportedly announced work on a legal framework to regulate this “parallel commerce.”

Manoj Ramdoss, spokesperson for the Grand Port–Savanne Traders’ Association in the South, corroborated the direct losses, noting that some are selling products at better prices and “often without a license,” operating illegally. Once a customer buys an item online, “he no longer travels to the fair,” leading to significant loss of business.

Concerns Over Consumer Protection

Beyond the economic impact, traders have raised serious concerns regarding consumer confidence and protection in the online marketplace due to a lack of genuine guarantees.

Mr. Appadu pointed out that Mauritians sometimes pay before even seeing the product. “Some never receive their order.

Others receive clothes that do not match the requested colour or the desired size. There is no real guarantee.” This lack of control and traceability, he argues, undermines consumer protection.

Broader Economic Warnings

Mr. Appadu called for cross-ministerial consultation and a comprehensive scientific study, including a roundtable of experts, economists, and industry stakeholders. He expressed deep concern over the nation’s import dependency.

“Mauritius produces almost nothing. We import everything. Until when can we sustain this model? The imbalance between imports and exports is serious,” he warned, stressing the need for expert guidance on the way forward.

Source: l’Express