Tesco Express shoppers could find themselves paying £520 more per year for their groceries a new price comparison has found.
Which? recently conducted an analysis on prices across supermarkets that operate both larger and smaller stores. It was discovered that those shopping at one of Tesco’s smaller stores are charged more – even if they possess a Clubcard.
Looking at the average cost of 42 key groceries, the consumer champion found that loyalty members are paying £10 more than they would at a regular store. Over the course of one weekly shop per year, this amounts to £520 more, reports The Express.
For example, a six pack of Mr Kipling Bakewell Slices cost an average of £2.32 at Tesco Express, while larger stores offer them at £1.50 – a 54 percent difference. Express stores were also found to charge an eight percent extra on own-label semi-skimmed milk.
Which? stated: “In total, our 42 groceries would have averaged around £11 (14%) more at Sainsbury’s Local than Sainsbury’s supermarkets, and £10 (11%) more at Tesco Express than Tesco supermarkets for loyalty members, which adds up to more than £500 extra over a year.
“Overall, Tesco Express was the cheapest of the convenience stores but only if you have a Clubcard. The total cost of our shop averaged £108.28 for members and £117.30 for non-members.”
Which? Retail editor Ele Clark commented: “Unfortunately, many people are without easy access to transport or online deliveries which leaves them reliant on smaller nearby stores.
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“Convenience stores may often be easier to travel to and handy for shoppers who need to stock up on a few essentials, but people who have to use them regularly will be spending significantly more over the course of a year than those with access to larger supermarkets.
“Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Tesco have committed to offer a broader range of budget and lower-priced ranges in their convenience stores as a result of Which? campaigning, but this latest research shows that more can still be done to increase the range of affordable product options for those consumers who rely on convenience stores.”
In its analysis, Which? added: “When we put our findings to Tesco, it said its Express stores are mainly in built-up areas where rents, rates and operating costs are higher, and the difference in prices of some products reflect these increased costs. It also said customers make different ‘shopper journeys’ at Express stores, so it tailors Clubcard offers to suit customer shopping habits.”
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