Cheap is one thing but for shoppers in the Tiveria shuk on Sunday, they were pleasantly surprised when vendors began giving out fruits and vegetables free of charge, perhaps an act of frustration as they attempt to compete with the new Rami Levy supermarket in town, which is undercutting their trade, selling produce at prices which vendors insist they cannot meet.

Ofir Zanad, who represents the shuk vendors, explains they plan to do the same on Sunday and Monday, until “Rami Levy gets the message”. He explains that at least 100 families are supported by the shuk and Levy’s presence, undercutting their prices, will drive them all out of business. Zanad explains that since Levy opened about six weeks ago, he lowered the price per kilo on all items between 70 agorot and a shekel, simply too much for the shuk vendors to absorb.

The vendors explain that other supermarkets are trying to compete with Levy, who operates a nationwide chain of inexpensive supermarkets, further driving the prices down. They explain Levy can recoup his losses incurred on produce on the many other items that he sells but for them, the shuk and the produce represents their entire livelihood.

Officials in the Levy enterprise report that have lowered prices 15-20%, in line with the store’s operating structure, and hope to do so elsewhere too, adding in a month or so, they plan to open another branch in Bnei Brak.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)