The Sainsbury's, Tesco and Morrisons stores where prices are higher
Shopping at a smaller store for convince could be costing you a fifth more compared to a larger supermarket, Which? has found. The consumer champion compared the cost of 42 grocery items at convenience chains Morrisons Daily, Sainsbury's Local and Tesco Express against prices at their full-size supermarkets.
The biggest different was at Morrisons Daily, where shoppers paid 21 per cent more on average. Which? found that Sainsbury's and Tesco had less variation in prices, but Nectar members could still be paying an average of 14 per cent more at Sainsbury's Local.
Tesco Clubcard holders could be charged 11 per cent more at Tesco Express despite them offering Clubcard prices. For example, a pack of six Mr Kipling Bakewell Slices was £2.32 on average at Tesco Express but £1.50 at Tesco supermarkets - a 54 per cent difference.
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A 500g bag of own-label fusilli was 31 per cent or 20p cheaper at a larger Sainsbury's supermarket at 65p instead of 85p. A medium white Hovis loaf cost 12 per cent more at both Sainsbury's Local and Tesco Express, and 14 per cent more at Morrisons Daily.
The 42 groceries averaged around £11 more at Sainsbury's Local and £10 more at Tesco Express for loyalty scheme members compared to their prices at the larger stores, adding up to more than £500 over a year.
Two pints of own brand semi-skimmed milk cost eight per cent more at all three supermarket convenience stores with or without a loyalty card, Daily Mail reports. Which? Retail editor Ele Clark said: "Unfortunately, many people are without easy access to transport or online deliveries which leaves them reliant on smaller nearby stores.
"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."
A spokesperson for Morrisons said the store was "always working hard to keep prices down and competitive" while 'maintaining high standards".
"We know our customers and business partners would like to see the More Card accepted in Morrisons Daily stores, so we are actively working on introducing the offer into our convenience estate in the coming months," they said.
A Sainsbury's spokesperson added: "Our Sainsbury's Local stores, which tend to be located in city or town centre locations, often have higher operating costs."