Tesco, Dunnes Stores and Superquinn match each other's prices for goods with almost no variation, according to a consumer affairs "shopping basket" survey.
The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, in co-operation with the Consumers' Association of Ireland, yesterday released results of its first countrywide price survey of stores and supermarkets. The price of the same 30 items was compared in stores on September 30th.
The survey found the three larger chain stores matched each other's prices closely, especially for staple goods. Tesco, Merrion Centre, Dublin, was cheapest at £45.16, while Super Valu, Carlow, was the dearest at £46.04.
Prices in Dunnes Stores showed the lowest regional variation with 14p separating the basket between its store at Mill Shopping Centre, Clondalkin, at £45.25 and its branch in Kieran Street, Kilkenny, at £45.39.
The same basket cost £45.27 in Superquinn, Northside, while it was 56p more expensive in its Blackrock branch. The basket cost £45.86 in Tesco, Paul Street, Cork, and £45.69 in Super Valu, Eyre Square, Galway. Spar and Centra chains were not included as all 30 items were not available.