A recent study has found significant price differences between convenience stores and larger supermarkets.
- The research revealed that Morrisons Daily stores charge up to 21% more than standard Morrisons outlets.
- Tesco Express prices were about 10% higher on average compared to full-sized stores.
- Sainsbury’s Local shops had a price difference of around 5% compared to larger Sainsbury’s.
- Loyalty scheme members could face even greater price disparities in convenience formats.
A comprehensive study conducted by Which? has highlighted the stark contrast in pricing for grocery items between smaller convenience stores and their larger supermarket counterparts. Shoppers frequenting local convenience outlets are potentially spending up to a fifth more than they would in the larger supermarkets, a finding that could affect many consumers’ budgeting considerations.
The investigation focused on 42 popular grocery items, comparing their pricing across three different occasions in June and July. The selected outlets were Morrisons Daily, Sainsbury’s Local, and Tesco Express, each evaluated against their respective full-sized stores. Among these, Morrisons exhibited the most significant discrepancy, with an average price increase of 21% for similar products at Daily stores.
Morrisons’ pricing strategy could further disadvantage its More loyalty scheme members, who may experience an increase of 22% in pricing due to the scheme being currently unavailable at the smaller outlets. Meanwhile, Morrisons is working to introduce the More card to these outlets in the coming months, a move aimed at aligning the chain’s customer rewards across all store formats.
Tesco’s approach to pricing at their Express stores results in an average 10% price increase, a figure that climbs to 11% for Clubcard holders. Tesco has tailored its loyalty offers at smaller stores, citing different shopping patterns and customer needs as the rationale behind this strategy.
In contrast, Sainsbury’s Local outlets displayed a more modest price increase of 5%, with Nectar scheme members potentially encountering a 14% price hike. This disparity in pricing is a significant consideration for consumers relying on these outlets for their regular shopping needs.
Which? retail editor Ele Clark emphasised the challenges faced by those without easy access to larger supermarkets or online deliveries, stating that the convenience of proximity often results in higher spending over time.
The research underscores the financial implications for consumers relying on convenience stores due to accessibility issues, highlighting notable price discrepancies.
