The Consumer Council today (September 23) 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 Tung Chung District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Tooth and Gum Care Alcohol-free Mouth Rinse 500ml (from $21 to $47.4, or a price difference of 125.7%).
Following closely (between 88.9% and 54.4%) were: Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 234g ($4.5 to $8.5, or 88.9%); Dry Therapy Shampoo 700ml ($35 to $57.9, or 65.4%); Exquisite Packing Milk Supplement (Pellet Dose) 10g x 20 ($45 to $69.9, or 55.3%); Intensive Care Hand & Nail Moisturizing Lotion - Keratin, Olive Essence & Retinol 2.5oz ($9 to $13.9 or 54.4%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 53.6% to 42.9%) were: Moist Cleansing Paper Hankies 25's ($11 to $16.9, or 53.6%); Corn Starch 227g ($4 to $6, or 50%); Anti-dandruff Shampoo - Menthol Cool Refreshing 750ml ($48 to $69.9, or 45.6%); Aluminium Foil 25sq.ft. ($9 to $12.9, or 43.3%); Jelly Powder Mango Flavour 90g ($3.5 to $5, or 42.9%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 17 items in this category at 14 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, frozen meat outlets, grocery and drugstores, in the Tung Chung District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 10.5% to 88.9%.
- The survey found the prices of rice and canned food were generally higher in all but one major supermarket chains in the district. Also the prices of some of the edible oils and seasonings were higher at individual grocery stores in various housing estates than those at other outlets. On the other hand, some grocery stores were lower in price for canned food while individual frozen meat outlet lower in price for rice.
- Some major supermarket chains offered bulk purchase incentives. For example, 3 major supermarket chains offered Jelly Powder Mango Flavour 90g at $10 for 3, averaging $3.3 each; the discounted price was thus lower than the lowest unit price available at grocery stores.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 23 items in this category at 16 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 9.6% to 125.7%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chains were generally higher than those at drugstores.
- Individual major supermarket chain offered gift of fast-food coupon for purchase of up to $60 Monday to Thursday until October 1.
- Some shops offered free gifts for designated goods, including a toothpaste of a small size for the purchase of the toothpaste, a trial packaged shampoo for the purchase of the shampoo, cotton Q tips for body wash, towel or measuring tape for laundry detergent.
- Bulk purchase incentives were offered by major supermarket chains, health-and-beauty chains and drugstore. For example, 2 major supermarkets offered Moist Cleansing Paper Hankies 25's at $39.9 for 3, averaging $13.3 each; 2 health-and-beauty chains offered Plaster-Warm (9 Plasters) at $89.9 for 2, averaging $45 each; 1 drugstore offered Detergent-Lemon 500ml at $27 for 2, averaging $13.5 each. These items, though had their prices discounted, were still more expensive than the lowest unit price at some drugstores.
- 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.
Results of the weekly price survey are available on the Council's website, its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Islands District Office.