## Convenience Stores Hitting Shoppers in the Pocket: Bread Prices Soar at Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons Locals
Grabbing a quick loaf of bread at your local convenience store might seem like a simple task, but new research reveals a shocking price disparity between smaller stores and their larger supermarket counterparts. Shoppers relying on Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local, and Morrisons Daily could be paying significantly more for their groceries, especially for everyday essentials like bread.
Consumer magazine Which? conducted a price comparison of 42 common food and drink items across both large supermarkets and their smaller convenience store versions from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons. The findings are alarming: all three supermarket chains charge more for identical products at their smaller stores.
Bread Prices Bite:
A medium white loaf of Hovis, a popular choice for many, was found to be 12% more expensive at Sainsbury’s Local and Tesco Express, and a whopping 14% more expensive at Morrisons Daily. This price difference adds up quickly, especially for families who rely on convenience stores for their weekly grocery needs.
Beyond Bread:
The price disparity extends beyond bread. The analysis revealed an 8% increase in the price of milk at the smaller stores, and other items like Weetabix, Mr Kipling bakewell slices, and Morrisons own brand chickpeas were significantly more expensive.
Reasons for the Price Hike:
The supermarkets attribute the price differences to higher operational costs associated with smaller stores, including rent, rates, and staff expenses. They also argue that customer shopping habits differ in smaller stores, leading to tailored pricing and promotions. However, this explanation raises concerns about potential price gouging, particularly for communities that rely heavily on convenience stores due to limited access to larger supermarkets or online shopping options.
The Impact on Communities:
The research highlights the potential impact of this price disparity on low-income communities. Nearly one in five convenience store shoppers cite the lack of a nearby large supermarket as a reason for their reliance on these stores. Additionally, socio-economic barriers, such as fuel poverty, limit access to larger stores and online shopping, further concentrating these communities’ spending in convenience stores.
Calls for Transparency:
Consumer advocates argue for greater transparency regarding pricing practices in convenience stores. They call for clear labeling that outlines the difference in prices between large and smaller stores, allowing shoppers to make informed choices about where to shop. Furthermore, they advocate for policies that protect vulnerable communities from exorbitant pricing practices.
This revelation of price discrepancies in convenience stores raises concerns about the affordability of food for a significant portion of the population. It underscores the need for a closer examination of pricing strategies and the potential impact on vulnerable communities.
