Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s charge higher prices in small shops | UK | News

Large supermarket chains have been accused of raising their prices in smaller “local” stores. An investigation reportedly found that buying groceries in the chain’s convenience stores can cost up to 20 percent more than prices in their larger branches.

The study compared the prices of 42 products at Tesco Express, Morrisons Daily and Sainsbury’s Local with the costs in their major supermarkets.

According to the report, the biggest price increases were seen at Morrisons Daily: shoppers there paid an average of 21 percent more for fruit and vegetables.

Consumer watchdog Which? found that prices vary less at Sainsbury’s and Tesco, but Nectar members could still pay an average of 14 percent more at Sainsbury’s Local.

At Tesco Express, Tesco Clubcard holders had to pay an average of 11 percent more – although the price differences were sometimes significantly larger.

For example, a pack of six Mr Kipling Bakewell Slices cost an average of £2.32 at Tesco Express, but £1.50 in Tesco supermarkets – a difference of 54%.

Meanwhile, a 500g bag of own-brand fusilli at Sainsbury’s Local was 20p more expensive at 85p than in a larger Sainsbury’s supermarket, where it cost 65p instead of 85p. That’s a whopping 31 percent price difference, Mail Online reported.

Other staples such as loaves of bread also saw price increases, with a medium-sized white Hovis loaf costing 14% more at Morrisons Daily – and 12% more at Sainsbury’s Local and Tesco Express.

Which ones? Retail editor Ele Clark said these price increases could have a significant impact on shoppers who don’t have access to transportation or online delivery.

Ele was aware that these shops were convenient and useful for people who needed to stock up on some essentials.

However, shoppers who rely on these supermarkets will spend significantly more over the course of the year than those who have access to larger supermarkets, said the retail expert.

Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Tesco had all promised to offer a wider range of cheap and cheaper products in their convenience stores as a result of the Which? campaign.

However, Ele said this research shows that the range of affordable product options for consumers who rely on convenience stores still needs to be expanded and improved.

A Sainsbury’s spokeswoman said: “Our local Sainsbury’s stores, which are typically located in city or town centres, often have higher running costs.”

A Morrisons spokesman said the store “always works hard to keep prices low and competitive” while “maintaining high standards”.

They added: “We know our customers and business partners would like to see the More Card accepted in Morrisons Daily stores, so we are actively working to roll out the offer in our convenience stores in the coming months.”

The Express has contacted Tesco for comment.