The Consumer Council today (December 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 Wan Chai / Causeway Bay 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 $22.9 to $47.4, or a price difference of 107%).
Following closely (between 99.3% and 70.9%) were: Lasting Care Moisturizing Lotion 200ml ($15 to $29.9, or 99.3%); Satay Broth for Hot Pot 75g ($3.9 to $7, or 79.5%); Cooling Gel Sheet for Children 6pcs ($22 to $38, or 72.7%); Fleas & Mites Fumigator 10g ($45 to $76.9 or 70.9%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 66.1% to 46.7%) were: 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly 3.75oz ($18 to $29.9, or 66.1%); Chicken Franks 340.2g ($7.9 to $12.9, or 63.3%); Black Pepper Sauce 230g ($10 to $15.5, or 55%); Weisen-U Tablets 30's ($32 to $48, or 50%); Fruity Strawberry Chocolate 60g ($16.9 to $24.8, or 46.7%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 19 items in this category at 18 retail outlets in the Wan Chai / Causeway Bay District were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 5.3% to 79.5%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 21 items in this category at 21 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 5.3% to 107%.
- Overall, major supermarket chains, health-and-beauty chains and cosmetic products chains were recorded with more highest unit price items than the other outlets.
The weekly survey covers different types of retail outlets 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 Wan Chai District Office.