Overcharging for essentials?

renowen

Our local shop has just hiked up its prices, most noticable on milk which is now £2.25 for 4pints! I realise these shops are generally more expensive but you can get 6 pints for the same price from Tescos so this seems alot for something which is a daily essential in most homes, and as local residents have no other choice but to buy at this shop it seems rather exploitive! I know they have had alot of complaints but as it is a chain store (not sure if I can name?) obviously complaining to the women at the till isnt going to get anyone very far.

My question is is there any rules regarding prices for things like milk/bread and other essentials or are they allowed to just charge whatever they like??

Many Thanks

Rx

SailorSam

I don't think there's any rules to stop shops charging whatever they think their customers will pay.
I remember learning something in school about Rpm. retail price maintenance (i think). All shops had to keep within minimum and maximum prices so that there was fair competition, protecting the corner shop against the big supermarkets. If i'm not mistaken it was when this was abolished that the big supermarkets really started to take over.

daveyjp

It's not overcharging - supoermarkets undercharge and get the shortfall back from other items. They don't need to make a profit on every item.

The local store only buys a few items and has to make a profit on every item they sell, hence the higher prices.

katskorner

I do notice this but more recently I have noticed that I can get six pints of milk for £1 - fine for now as it is skimmed but once the baby moves onto cows milk it is going to be a serious price hike, which I am not happy about.

Butterfly_Brain

I get my milk in Farmfoods and buy a week's worth at a time 2 x 4L = £1.50

sweetstudent

It supply and demand and how much competition there is. If there is no other shop, around for (i.e.A Mile and you need the Milk you will pay the amount they want. If there are 3 shops, then there is more competition - ergo lower prices!

ddoris

"as local residents have no other choice but to buy at this shop it seems rather exploitive! "
I don't use the local, expensive, corner shop ,I walk, cycle or bus to shop.
Unless it's the only shop in the village!!!!!!!