The Consumer Council today (September 9) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in the Kwun Tong District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Cream Cleanser 500ml (from $8 to $18.9, or a price difference of 136.3%).
Following closely (between 118% and 61%) were: Tomato Paste 170g ($5 to $10.9, or 118%); Sea-Coconut Cough Mixture 177ml ($17 to $31.2, or 83.5%); Sensitive Enamelprotect Toothpaste 130g ($18 to $29.9, or 66.1%); Tuna in Sunflower Oil 185g ($10.5 to $16.9 or 61%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 60.5% to 43.3%) were: Delicare Ointment 15g ($19 to $30.5, or 60.5%); Super Block SPF130 35g ($51 to $77.9, or 52.7%); Fresh Impact Toothpaste 120g ($26 to $37.9, or 45.8%); Fried Fish Ball 170g ($8.9 to $12.9, or 44.9%); Stew Pork Chop 256g ($15 to $21.5, or 43.3%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 21 items in this category at 17 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, individual supermarkets, frozen food and grocery stores, wholesale food and snacks shops, and drugstore in the Kwun Tong District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 8% to 118%.
- Overall, the survey found individual major supermarket chain and frozen food outlet to have a larger proportion of high prices than other retail outlets in the district.
- A major supermarket chain offered "half price for purchase of the second item". For example, in the case of Chocolate Wafer 200g, the second item was sold at $4.8, making a total of $14.4 for 2. This was the same as the offer of "$14.4 for 2" by another big chain.
- Some shops offered bulk purchase incentive. For example, 2 major supermarket chains offered Seafood Soy Sauce 500ml at $18.9 for 2, averaging $9.5 each, bringing the price down even below the lowest unit price available.
- On the other hand, 1 major supermarket chain offered Tuna in Sunflower Oil 185g at $28 for 2, averaging $14 each; but the discounted price was still higher than individual supermarkets and wholesale food store. In fact, the discounted price was 33.3% higher than the lowest unit price at an individual supermarket.
- So, bulk purchase discounts do not necessarily mean they are always of good buy, consumers are advised to shop around for price comparison and value.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 19 items in this category at 15 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 10.9% to 136.3%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chains were generally higher while those at drugstores were lower.
- Individual major supermarket chain offered gift of fast-food coupon for purchase of up to $60 Monday to Thursday until October 1. A health-and-beauty chain also offered 15% discount for purchase of designated goods of 2 or more items.
- Some shops offered add-volume size. For sample, 3 drugstores and a cosmetic chain shop offered 225ml add-volume size to One-minute Hair Treatment 150ml. As their price was comparable or even lower than major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty shops, the add-volume promotion made it even more attractive in value. Consumers should look for similar offers.
Results of the weekly price survey are available on the Council's website, its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Kwun Tong District Office.