The Consumer Council today (February 3) 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: Wet Wipes 10 wipes (from $5 to $12.8, or a price difference of 156%).
Following closely (between 57.7% and 50.8%) were: Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser 100g ($31 to $48.9, or 57.7%); Decongestant-Analgesic Ointment 85g ($32 to $48.9, or 52.8%); 1000 Sandoz (Orange) 10 tablets ($29 to $43.8, or 51%); Rice Flour 600g ($5.9 to $8.9 or 50.8%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 45.8% to 35.5%) were: Double Action Toothpaste 250g ($12 to $17.5, or 45.8%); Moist Shower Foam 2L ($26 to $37.6, or 44.6%); Scrub Sponge (Delicate Duty) ($7 to $10, or 42.9%); Toilet Gel (Marine) 38g ($23 to $32, or 39.1%); Vitamin E Moisture Rich Shampoo 900ml ($42 to $56.9, or 35.5%).
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 18 retail outlets in the Tung Chung District were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 8.2% to 50.8%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 23 items in this category at 15 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 6.4% to 156%.
- 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, 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 Islands District Office.