The Consumer Council today (March 10) 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 Tsuen Wan District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Foaming Handwash (Moisturizing) 300ml (from $14 to $30.3, or a price difference of 116.4%).
Following closely (between 78.7% and 53.3%) were: Glutinous Rice Dumpling 3 pcs ($8.9 to $15.9, or 78.7%); Beauty Bar Soap 100g ($5 to $8.5, or 70%); Baby Mopiko 15g ($19 to $29.5, or 55.3%); Acne Pimple Medication 25g ($45 to $69 or 53.3%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 53.1% to 43.8%) were: Ham Slices 200g ($13 to $19.9, or 53.1%); Furniture Polish (Lemon) 330ml ($26.5 to $39.8, or 50.2%); Super Soft Laundry Detergent 2.3kg ($32 to $46.6, or 45.6%); XO Sardine 215g ($8 to $11.5, or 43.8%); Spiced Pork Cubes 142g ($8 to $11.5, or 43.8%).
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 16 retail outlets in the Tsuen Wan District were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 10.1% to 78.7%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 21 items in this category at 14 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 7.8% to 116.4%.
- 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 Tsuen Wan District Office.