The Consumer Council today (November 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 Wanchai / Causeway Bay.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Tooth and Gum Care Toothpaste 100ml (from $10.9 to $25, or a price difference of 129.4%).
Following closely (between 111.8% and 72.7%) were: Bath Soap 125g × 4 ($8.5 to $18, or 111.8%); Intensive Body Milk 400ml ($28 to $58, or 107.1%); Studio Wet look (Normal Strength) Hair Gel 150ml ($27.1 to $47, or 73.4%); Cooling Gel Sheet 6pcs ($22 to $38 or 72.7%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 70.7% to 56.3%) were: Pack Almond Pastry 168g ($9.9 to $16.9, or 70.7%); Powerful Cream Cleaner (Lemon Fresh) 500ml ($9 to $15, or 66.7%); Coconut Milk 400ml ($8.9 to $14.5, or 62.9%); Clean's Moist Cleansing Paper Hankies 12's ($9.9 to $16, or 61.6%); Pear Loquat Syrup 150ml ($16 to $25, or 56.3%).
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 17 retail outlets in Wanchai/Causeway Bay were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 0% to 70.7%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 18 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 12% to 129.4%.
- Overall, more highest unit prices were recorded at major supermarket and health-and-beauty chains than other retail outlets.
Fresh Produce
- Due to possible variations in the place of origin, quality, size or freshness of fresh produce, direct price comparison is considered not suitable.
- A total of 5 items from 2 to 4 stalls at the Bowrington Road Market and 3 major supermarket chains were included in the survey for reference of consumers.
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, drugstores and wet market stalls.
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 Central & Western District Office.