The boycott of the store commenced this morning across Montenegro, with reports indicating that stores in Budva, Nikšić, and Bijelo Polje are nearly deserted. Podgorica has seen a decrease in customer traffic as well, while the situation in Bar is similar.

Journalist Suzana Cetković reported from a Podgorica neighborhood housing some of the city’s largest shopping venues.

“It’s difficult to assess the situation clearly at this moment. There aren’t many shoppers; some come out carrying bags. Those who previously resisted our cameras mentioned they were there for wholesale purchases. The parking lot outside the store is half-empty,” Cetković stated.

At a market in Zabjela, as per Forbes Montenegro, the parking area had cars, but it was less crowded than usual.

In an old town market in Podgorica, around 11 o’clock, there was only one customer, while others were virtually absent.

The atmosphere in central Podgorica is somewhat different.

News journalist Majda Band observed that numerous citizens were entering a supermarket in the central area, attributing their presence to proximity to their workplaces and needing to pick up a few items.

“Some said they forgot about the boycott. Workers informed us that they processed between 30 and 40 transactions in the first half-hour, and only about 15 earlier this morning,” Band reported.

Store activity in Bar is reportedly lower than average, but parking lots are quite full.

According to “News,” there was significant participation from citizens in Budva’s boycott, as retail traffic was markedly reduced.

The boycott also received backing from Ukrainian and Russian nationals, who chose to refrain from shopping today.

TV Vijesti journalist Željko Vuksanović remarked that during his time outside a market in Nikšić, he didn’t observe any other patrons, confirming the public’s response to the boycott.

Even in Bijelo Polje, reports confirm a lack of customers this morning, as noted by TV News reporter Slobodan Sebek.

The calls for a trade boycott in Montenegro followed a similar movement in Croatia on Friday, where the Croatian Tax Administration reported that market turnover was twice the average.

The boycott was suggested as an alternative in Montenegro after social media platforms began circulating proposals to organize one.

The call posted on Facebook indicated that prices have soared, and that major retail chains have formed an agreement that adversely affects citizens’ ability to secure substantial salary and pension increases.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajic endorsed the notion of Montenegrin citizens participating in the boycott against retail chains due to elevated prices.

On platform X, he responded affirmatively to a user “Išćuh,” who queried whether Montenegro should follow Croatia’s example.

“Yes,” Spajic replied.

The government has extended price limits until April 30, to curb the rising costs of staple groceries.