A study reveals that shopping at convenience stores can be significantly more expensive than at larger supermarket chains.
- The research focused on 42 popular items across Morrisons Daily, Sainsbury’s Local, and Tesco Express compared to their larger counterparts.
- Morrisons Daily showed the largest price increase of up to 21% compared with regular supermarkets.
- Loyalty scheme members at Morrisons and Tesco face even higher mark-ups at smaller outlets.
- Consumers without easy access to larger stores or online deliveries bear the brunt of these price differences.
Shopping at local convenience stores is revealed to be up to 21% more expensive than purchasing the same items at larger supermarkets, as per the recent analysis by Which?. The consumer advocacy group examined the prices of 42 commonly purchased grocery items on three separate occasions throughout June and July, highlighting substantial cost variations among leading UK grocers.
Morrisons Daily demonstrated the most significant price hike, with consumers paying an average of 21% more for identical products as compared to the main supermarkets’ stores. For participants in the supermarket’s More loyalty programme, the expenses could escalate by up to 22% at smaller branches due to the current unavailability of the scheme at these locations. In response, Morrisons has indicated its intention to introduce the More card to its Daily stores in the near future.
Comparatively, Tesco’s convenience outlets, known as Tesco Express, reflect a 10% average price increase, while Sainsbury’s Local stores show a smaller 5% elevation in costs. However, individuals who subscribe to these supermarkets’ loyalty programmes encounter even steeper pricing. Specifically, Tesco’s Clubcard members could observe an 11% premium at Express outlets, and Sainsbury’s Nectar cardholders might see their expenses surge by 14%. Tesco acknowledges that its loyalty pricing strategy in Express stores reflects customer purchasing habits, which vary from those at full-sized branches.
Ele Clark, a retail editor at Which?, commented on this financial disparity, noting that numerous individuals lack access to personal transport or online grocery delivery options, leaving them reliant on these more costly, conveniently situated stores. This dependency means significantly higher annual grocery bills for those who regularly shop at such locations.
The study underscores the financial impact on consumers who depend on smaller grocery stores, urging awareness among shoppers about potential mark-ups in convenience pricing.
The findings highlight the pressing need for consumers to be informed of potential disparities in grocery pricing between convenience stores and larger supermarkets.
