Shoppers feel they are being “robbed” by supermarkets that charge higher prices in smaller stores

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By Shaun Poulter Consumer Editor of The Daily Mail 00:12 Jun 13 2023 Updated 01:44 Jun 13 2023

Rishi Sunak has asked the Capital Market Authority (CMA) to investigate whether there is profiteering. Prices are usually higher at convenience stores such as Tesco Express.

Two out of three shoppers feel ripped off because the supermarket giants are charging much higher prices in their convenience stores.

The numbers come from who? Amid new research showing trust in supermarkets has fallen to its lowest level in nine years.

Supermarkets generally charge higher fees for the same products sold through their convenience stores, such as Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local, than they do for larger outlets.

At the same time, their convenience stores have less than the cheapest budget lines, which makes life difficult for those who don’t have a car or can’t travel to the larger stores.

Rishi Sunak has asked the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to investigate whether there is any evidence of profiteering – or hypertrophied greed – at grocery stores.

Supermarkets generally charge higher fees for the same products sold through their convenience stores, such as Tesco Express

Separately, the CMA has already cited concerns that supermarkets have increased profit margins on diesel, driving up prices across the economy.

any? The survey found that 67 percent of people believe that supermarkets charge false prices in their convenience stores.

Three-quarters (75 per cent) also said they found store food more expensive than in large supermarkets and nearly half (45 per cent) found it difficult to find affordable food in convenience stores.

any? He said: “It is alarming that half (51 per cent) of those who rely on convenience stores at least once a week are struggling financially with a cost-of-living crisis – compared to a third (35 per cent) of consumers in general. The survey found that 57 per cent said Having more budget ranges in convenience niches would help.

Consumer Champion is calling for supermarkets to improve the availability of basic budget options in their convenience stores.

Separate search in any? A monthly consumer statistics tracker found that confidence in the grocery industry fell in May to its lowest level since November 2014.

The confidence score measures just +36 – on a scale of -100 to +100 – which is a decrease of 32 points since it peaked at +68 in May 2020.

which? Director of Policy and Advocacy Rocio Concha said: “Confidence in the grocery industry has fallen to a nine-year low – with many consumers telling us they feel ripped off by higher convenience store prices.

Rishi Sunak (pictured today) has asked the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to investigate whether there is any evidence of profiteering – or greed – in grocery stores

“People shouldn’t have to overpay for daily necessities just because they struggle to get to a big supermarket.”

She added: ‘While the entire food supply chain affects prices, supermarkets have the potential to do more to support people who are struggling, including ensuring everyone has easy access to affordable basic budget ranges at a store near them, including convenience stores. For consumers who depend on these.

Supermarkets should also provide transparent pricing so that people can easily decide which products offer the best value.

The British Retail Consortium has insisted the stores sell some of the cheapest food in Europe, despite the high costs.

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