THE Tourist Business Association (Acotur) is taking action over what it described yesterday as the illegal opening of a Chinese bazaar-style hypermarket in Ciudad Jardin.
Acotur is claiming that the 2'000 square metre store Hiper hogar popular SL does not have the necessary permits for trading and that it is providing unfair competition to shops which are already established in the area.
The association has presented official complaints over the store in Calle Cardenal Rossell to Palma City Council and to the regional ministries for Commerce, Industry and Energy; and Health and Consumer Affairs.
Acotur says that the Hiper hogar popular SL is breaking at three different trading laws and that its carpark is being used by people who shop at two neighbouring supermarkets.
The store apparently sells all manner of clothing, footwear and household items at greatly reduced prices. Acotur said in a statement yesterday that the opening of Hiper hogar popular SL has generated alarm amongst traders in Coll den Rabassa, Ciudad Jardin and Can Pastilla.
Acotur said that they want to see the City Council and the ministries sending their representatives to investigate the degree to which the store has failed to conform to bylaws and to act upon their findings. It's the duty of regional government to enforce the law, a spokesman for Acotur said.