A new study by consumer magazine Which? has revealed that Tesco Express shoppers are paying a hefty price for convenience. Despite having a Clubcard, shoppers at Tesco Express are spending an average of £10 more per shop compared to those shopping at larger Tesco stores. This equates to an extra £520 spent over the course of a year, based on a weekly shop.
The analysis, which looked at prices for 42 key groceries across various supermarkets, found that Tesco Express stores, even with Clubcard discounts, often charged significantly higher prices than their larger counterparts. For instance, a pack of six Mr Kipling Bakewell Slices was found to be £2.32 at Tesco Express, a whopping 54% more expensive than the £1.50 price tag at Tesco supermarkets. The study also noted an 8% premium on milk at Tesco Express stores.
While Tesco Express is considered the cheapest of the convenience stores when using a Clubcard, Which? highlights the significant cost difference for those who rely on these smaller shops. Ele Clark, retail editor for Which?, emphasized that many individuals lack access to transportation or online delivery options, making convenience stores a necessity.
Tesco has attributed the price discrepancies to higher operating costs at Express stores, which are often located in areas with elevated rents, rates, and operating expenses. They also point out that Express shoppers tend to make different purchase decisions, resulting in tailored Clubcard offers.
Despite Tesco’s explanation, Which? believes that more can be done to offer a wider range of affordable products at convenience stores. They highlight Tesco’s commitment to introducing more budget-friendly options in their convenience stores following previous campaigning by Which?. However, the latest research suggests that further efforts are needed to provide accessible prices for those who rely on convenience stores for their groceries.
