The Consumer Council today (October 6) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Lai Chi Kok.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Fabric Softener (Fresh Air) 1L (from $19 to $33.3, or a price difference of 75.3%).
Following closely (between 66.7% and 55%) were: Sliced Pork in Szechuan Style 198g ($7.5 to $12.5, or 66.7%); Cooling Gel Sheet for Children 6pcs ($18 to $29.9, or 66.1%); Chopped Pork and Ham 198g ($7.9 to $12.5, or 58.2%); Bath Soap 125g × 4 ($10 to $15.5 or 55%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 54.1% to 45.8%) were: Ultra Wing Night Sanitary Napkins (28cm) 18's ($22 to $33.9, or 54.1%); Coca Cola 500ml ($4.5 to $6.9, or 53.3%); Decongestant-Analgesic Ointment 28g ($18 to $26.9, or 49.4%); 1000 Sandoz (Orange) 10's ($30 to $43.8, or 46%); Total Care Toothpaste 120g ($26 to $37.9, or 45.8%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 20 items in this category at 14 retail outlets in Lai Chi Kok were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 6.4% to 66.7%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 14 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 8.5% to 75.3%.
- 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 Sham Shui Po District Office.