The Consumer Council today (May 26) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Shau Kei Wan.
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 $13.9, or a price difference of 178%).
Following closely (between 115% and 50.9%) were: Tomato Paste 170g ($6 to $12.9, or 115%); Foaming Handwash (Moisture) 300ml ($18.9 to $30.3, or 60.3%); Antiacid / Antigas 24 Tablets ($22 to $33.9, or 54.1%); Shampoo (Deep Cleasing) 900ml ($45 to $67.9 or 50.9%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 50.8% to 40.7%) were: Instant Dessert Peanut 200g ($5.9 to $8.9, or 50.8%); Extra Rubber Housegloves (Small Size) ($10 to $15, or 50%); Shredded Pork and Preserved Vegetable 240g ($9.9 to $14.7, or 48.5%); Worcestershire Sauce 150ml ($12.9 to $19, or 47.3%); Sensitive Mouth Rinse 500ml ($19.9 to $28, or 40.7%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 17 items in this category at 15 retail outlets in Shau Kei Wan were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 9.1% to 115%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 23 items in this category at 12 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 10.4% to 178%.
- 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 Eastern District Office.