Chavez shuts down two retailers....

Currency devaluation, shutting down (even temporarily) retailers.....looks like Chavez is getting more reckless...

Government inspectors accompanied by soldiers temporarily shut down two large retail stores in Venezuela on Monday, aiming to prevent hefty price hikes after the country devalued its currency.

Inspectors from the tax and consumer protection agencies shuttered stores of the Exito hypermarket chain for 24 hours, saying prices of some products had been raised. The chain is majority owned by France-based Casino Guichard Perrachon SA.

Authorities began inspecting retailers a day after President Hugo Chavez threatened to temporarily close or take over businesses that raise prices as a result of the devaluation he announced Friday.

Mr. Chavez said he is determined to curb inflation – even if it means deploying the military to prevent price hikes.