why is somerfield more expensive?

**skinnyminny**

Hi, i have been thinking this for quite a while now and am wondering if anyone else has noticed how much more expensive somerfield is compared to tesco,asda,and sainsburys?
I cannot for the life of me, understand why the prices are more,when my local somerfield stores never seem to have any staff and the shop looks like its about to fall down!
For example napolina tomatoes 4 pack are currently half price in somerfield at £2.19,making them £4.39 usually,but tescos sell them for £3.89 full price,so that is a 40p difference in the same product.
I do my upmost to avoid buying from somerfield these days as it is soooo expensive,anyone got any ideas why?

Jennifer_Jane

No, but totally agree with you. The only thing I can think of is some sort of profit-taking before Co-op take over. I feel stupid going into Somerfield even, but it's the closest shop to me (and it stops me overspending on stuff I shouldn't be buying). If I go to Morrisons, I just keep spending!

Jen
x

Ben84

They've always been more expensive, and sell mostly branded items too. There was one next to the Sainsburys where I used to live, both had been there years and I never knew how Somerfields stayed in business when they were selling the same branded items for much higher prices. You could walk across the road (two minutes away and in direct sight) and buy the exact same items for less in Sainsburys, or better yet buy Sainsburys own brands for even less. The Sainsbury also had a proper in-store bakery and other things that Somerfield didn't. Considering the high prices, absurdly thin isles that really could just manage one trolley in one direction and inevitably long wait at the check out (nobody ever seemed to be working the check out), I can only suggest that Somerfield customers were very loyal for some reason. One single trip to the Sainsburys across the road would fast convince them to keep going there, so I guess they had never been!

Gingernutmeg

I always thought it was because they had fewer stores, and were generally in high-streets, so presumably had higher rents? All of the Somerfields' that I've ever known have gone now, they've either shut down completely or they've been taken over by Morrison's.

tessie_bear

i dont know why somerfield is so much more expensive but agree that it is....we have one near farm foods and when i go there i pop in...i think its very pricey i wonder how they keep going

SkintMumma_2

It must be the convience of some somerfields

I live a 10 min walk from one - and its always busy!

i agree the prices are very high!! but im sure its the convience...:rotfl:

bcl999

They have always been dearer but just recently with some of their half-price offers, I've thought they are coming it with what they quote as being the usual price. I'm just hoping my local one will be converted to a Co-op with the takeover happening.

smartie12

My local Somerfield had a makeover last year and I noticed the prices went right up. I was told it was because it was now a convenience store.
They do have some really good deals sometimes especially loo roll which seems to be on offer every week!

**skinnyminny**

I'm glad i'm not the only one who thinks they are pricey!
I never really thought of it being related to the location, but could see higher rents would equal higher prices.
My somerfields would be anything but convienence for me,it's more like hell on earth entering one of their stores:rotfl:

OrkneyStar

Our Tesco used to be a Somerfield. Along with that we only had a Coop and local shops, and later on also a Lidl. We had t go to Somerfield for some things and it was pricey. We were so glad to get Tesco (even if it is pricier than Asda at least there is clubcard and the prices are not as bad as Somerfield). Before the Somerfield was Somerfield it was briefly a Morrisons and I liked that shop.

katiecoodle

yes I think its because they aren't trying to compete with the likes of Tesco/Sainsburys/ASDA, but more along the lines of Spar and Co-op. That's how they can justify their prices. Ours is not a bad size but I'm always amazed by how many people choose to shop their considering how dear they are.