The Consumer Council today (May 19) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Tung Chung.
In the analysis were listed the top 11 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Pineapple Flavour Beer 355ml (from $2.5 to $4.9, or a price difference of 96%).
Following closely (between 66.3% and 49.3%) were: Keratin Vitamin Straightening Hair Shampoo 750ml ($24 to $39.9, or 66.3%); Cream Cleanser 500ml ($8 to $12.9, or 61.3%); Aroma Therapy Moisturizing Lotion 15oz ($23 to $34.9, or 51.7%); (Cool) Pastilles 50g ($14 to $20.9 or 49.3%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 44.9% to 40.4%) were: Chicken Franks 340.2g ($8.9 to $12.9, or 44.9%); Toothpaste (Freshmint) 120g ($25 to $35.9, or 43.6%); Ultra Fabric Softener (Pure) 1L ($17.5 to $24.9, or 42.3%); Loperottuide Hydrochloride 8pcs ($40 to $56.9, or 42.3%); Seirogan 100 pills ($25 to $35.1, or 40.4%); Moisturising Shower Foam 2L ($27 to $37.9, or 40.4%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 16 items in this category at 17 retail outlets in Tung Chung were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 1% to 96%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 24 items in this category at 12 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 10.9% to 66.3%.
- 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, a broad range of retail outlets of different types 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.