The Consumer Council today (August 11) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Tuen Mun.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Beer 330ml (from $2.5 to $5, or a price difference of 100%).
Following closely (between 86.9% and 57.5%) were: Sensitive Baby Wipe 63's ($16 to $29.9, or 86.9%); Sweetened Milk Spread 388g ($6.5 to $11.9, or 83.1%); Pork and Ham 340g ($13 to $22.5, or 73.1%); Roll-on Deodorant (Whitening) 50ml ($12 to $18.9 or 57.5%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 56.3% to 51.4%) were: Mi Goreng Fried Noodles 85g × 5 ($8 to $12.5, or 56.3%); Sunplay Clear Water SPF 50+ 35g ($45 to $69.9, or 55.3%); Hydro Boost Mask 30g x 5 ($78 to $119.9, or 53.7%); Maximum Cavity Protection Fluoride Toothpaste (Icy Cool Mint) 250g ($11.5 to $17.5, or 52.2%); Extra Rubber Housegloves (Small Size) ($10.5 to $15.9, or 51.4%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 20 items in this category at 17 retail outlets in Tuen Mun were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 5.4% to 100%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 18 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 14.4% to 86.9%.
- Overall, more highest unit prices were recorded at major supermarket and health-and-beauty chains than other retail outlets.
The weekly survey covers, for price comparison, a broad range of retail outlets of different types located in the district under comparison, including major and individual supermarkets, health-and-beauty chains, frozen food and grocery stores, and drugstores.
It is common that many outlets will offer bulk-purchase incentives, add-size packs, gifts, rebates, etc. for purchase of designated products or up to a certain value.
Consumers, however, should note that promotional offers are not necessarily the best bargains (the lowest unit price) available on the items. They should shop around whenever possible and compare prices.
Results of the weekly price survey and analysis are available on the Council's website, its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Tuen Mun District Office.