Baku – July 31, 2025 — “Buy one, get one free!”, “Up to 50% off!” — flashy deals like these are common across stores in Azerbaijan. While such promotions often attract eager buyers, many shoppers have grown increasingly skeptical, suspecting that these offers frequently involve products nearing their expiration date.
“Yes, I buy discounted items, but I always check the expiry date. If it’s too close, I leave it. If there’s still time, I buy it,” shared one shopper.
Another buyer admitted he generally avoids promotional products: “I’ve noticed that they’re usually close to expiring. I try not to buy them, but if I do, I definitely check the date first.”
A third customer suggested the discounts are more about marketing than dumping bad stock. “It’s a way to draw people into the store. I don’t think they’re selling expired goods.”
Marketing expert Mushvig Iskenderov explains that such campaigns serve a dual purpose: increasing competition among brands and clearing near-expiry stock.
“Product competition is a sign of a healthy market,” Iskenderov said. “These promotions are strategic moves aimed at reducing stock before it spoils. They’re only effective when aligned with the interests of the target audience and market sustainability.”
However, consumer rights advocate Eyub Huseynov, head of the Free Consumers Union, urges caution. He warns that many in-store campaigns are designed to lure shoppers into purchasing items they never planned to buy.
“When buying food during discount campaigns, customers must check the labels carefully — especially the storage instructions and expiration date,” Huseynov stressed. “These issues are widespread. And remember, even discounted goods can be returned or exchanged, as long as the item hasn’t been opened and the receipt is kept.”
He also reminds shoppers that a tempting discount should never override basic due diligence. “A flashy sticker doesn’t protect your health — making smart, informed choices does.”
