Tesco Clubcard users who frequent Tesco Express stores have been issued a stark warning that they could pay an extra £520 annually compared to shopping at more prominent Tesco outlets. A study by consumer watchdog Which? Revealed that prices at Tesco’s convenience stores are often significantly higher than at their larger supermarkets, even when using a Clubcard.
The *Which?* analysis compared prices between supermarket chains and smaller convenience stores, such as Tesco Express. The findings showed that despite benefiting from Clubcard discounts, Tesco Express customers still pay a premium. On average, shopping at Tesco Express costs around £10 more per trip compared to shopping at a giant Tesco Extra or supermarket. Over a year, this can add up to a substantial £520 difference.
One striking example highlighted in the study was the price of Mr Kipling Bakewell’s Slices. At Tesco Express, a pack was priced at £2.32, compared to just £1.50 at larger Tesco supermarkets, a 54% price hike. In another case, Tesco charged an 8% premium for milk at its Express stores.
*Which?* reported that across a basket of 42 everyday grocery items, Sainsbury’s Local stores charged an average of £11 more than their larger supermarkets. Meanwhile, Tesco Express charged £10 more on average than their bigger counterparts. Over a year, this equates to more than £500 in extra costs for loyal Clubcard users.
While Tesco Express stores offer Clubcard discounts, the total cost of a typical Express shop averages £108.28 for Clubcard members, compared to £117.30 for non-members. However, even with this discount, the difference in pricing between smaller and larger Tesco stores remains significant.
Ele Clark, *Which?* Retail Editor said, “Many people rely on smaller convenience stores due to limited access to transportation or online deliveries. While these stores are often easier to reach and useful for quick purchases, shoppers using them regularly are likely to spend much more over the year compared to those who can shop at larger supermarkets.”
Clark added that, in response to *Which?*’s campaigning, major retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons have promised to expand their budget range and lower-priced products at convenience stores. However, the latest research suggests that more needs to be done to make affordable options available to consumers relying on these smaller stores.
In response to the findings, Tesco acknowledged that its Express stores are typically located in urban areas, where rent and operational costs are higher, which is reflected in the pricing of certain products. The supermarket also stated that it tailors its Clubcard offers to suit the shopping patterns at its convenience locations, where customers often purchase fewer items than at larger stores.
This price discrepancy raises concerns about the financial impact on customers who depend on smaller stores for their shopping needs, and the pressure on supermarkets to offer more affordable options in these locations remains high.
Additionally, Tesco imposed an 8 per cent surcharge for milk at its Extra locations.
