A new analysis highlights significant price disparities between supermarket convenience outlets and their larger store counterparts, with findings suggesting consumers pay considerably more at smaller branches.
- The consumer group Which? conducted a comparative study on 42 popular grocery items, revealing discrepancies in pricing at Morrisons Daily, Sainsbury’s Local, and Tesco Express compared to their full-sized stores.
- Morrisons Daily recorded the most significant price divergence, with costs averaging 21% higher, while loyalty scheme members may face even steeper charges due to unavailability of the More card at these outlets.
- Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local also displayed notable price differences, with Clubcard and Nectar members experiencing higher costs at convenience stores than in larger supermarkets.
- Which? retail editor Ele Clark expressed concerns over accessibility, highlighting the financial strain on those reliant on more expensive, smaller stores due to lack of transportation or delivery options.
A detailed study by the consumer advocacy group Which? has shed light on substantial pricing disparities between local supermarket convenience stores and their larger counterparts. The research, which involved comparing prices of 42 popular grocery items on three separate occasions in June and July, revealed that consumers could pay up to 21% more for the same products at Morrisons Daily, Sainsbury’s Local, and Tesco Express. The most pronounced price increase was observed at Morrisons Daily, where shoppers encountered an average markup of 21%.
For members of Morrisons’ loyalty programme, the More card, the price could escalate further, reaching up to 22% more, as the scheme is not operational in its Daily stores. Morrisons has responded by indicating plans to extend the More card to these outlets in the upcoming months, a move anticipated to alleviate some of the financial burden faced by regular customers.
In comparison, Tesco’s convenience branches exhibited an average price difference of 10%, with Tesco Clubcard members potentially paying 11% more at Express stores. Moreover, Sainsbury’s Local presented a 5% average price increase, with Nectar cardholders possibly experiencing up to a 14% hike. Tesco rationalised the disparity by stating that Clubcard Prices are curated to suit different shopping occasions typical to smaller stores.
These findings underscore a challenging scenario for customers, particularly those without reliable access to transportation or online shopping alternatives. Which? retail editor Ele Clark pointed out the financial implications for individuals constrained to shop at these pricier outlets, noting that regular use of these stores could result in a significant financial outlay over time.
Overall, the investigation by Which? accentuates the increasing economic pressure on consumers dependent on smaller, more expensive supermarket convenience stores for their daily needs.
