26th October, 2010
By all standards, Shoprite is a world class supermarket. With outlets in over 20 countries, the supermarket chain is arguably one of the most patronised across the world. The face of food retailing in Nigeria changed in 2005 when an outlet of the grocery store opened in Lekki. Families trooped to the store for their household shopping.
The experience of shopping at the outlet is indeed a world class one. The environment is serene and safe.
Shoppers are also guaranteed quality household items, unlike some supermarket where substandard household items are the order of the day.
One of the things that Shoprite prides itself about is its unbeatable lower price offer for every item on its shelves.
In all its adverts, the slogan “lowest price you can trust always” is one attraction that continuously entice shoppers.
Many shoppers who have been to shoprite will readily testify to this low price claim.
While most shoppers who have been to shoprite have very good reasons to believe this price claim, some who have taken the pain to cross-check with other retail stores elsewhere may not entirely agree.
Consumer’s Advocate in a bid to ascertian how true Shoprite’s low price claim is, undertook an investigation on prices of items in shoprite compared to other supermarkets.
Beverages
At Shoprite, a medium size Milo tin sells for N1,199.50k while the small size sells for N659.50k. Elsewhere in most retail stores, same medium size Milo sells for N1,100 while the small size sells for N650; obviously, this item is more expensive  at Shoprite.
A medium size Ovaltine goes for N1,129.50k while the small size goes for N594.50k. Elsewhere same medium and small size Ovaltine goes for N1,550 and N550 respectively. The big size of this item is more expensive elsewhere, while the small size is cheaper elsewhere. A small size tin Bournvita goes for N594 at Shoprite while same item at some retail shops goes for N570.
The prices of other beverage products in Shoprite were also compared with other supermarket and the result showed that Shoprite’s claims may not be entirely true, especially with beverages.
The underlisted random price check for some items at Shoprite compared to supermarkets elsewhere, puts a hole in Shoprite’s claim.
—Henry Ojelu/Okunowo Omolade
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