We all know that supermarket promotions aren't always worth the vegetables they're written on but just how far these mega store groups are prepared to go in misleading customers is something that will always be open to debate. Adding weight to cries of foul play from the rip-off camp is the Office of Fair Trading, which is currently investigating allegations of price fixing. And today several leading brands such as Aquafresh toothpaste and Andrex toilet paper have been drawn into the investigation.
Clearly supermarkets compare prices and adjust them accordingly depending on what their rival is charging - they use such claims as part of their advertising spiel. But whether they collude is another matter.
It is easy to check prices at the big four supermarkets thanks to a great little website called mySupermarket.co.uk - one to spend some time on one lunchtime. Warning: it's addictive. It is fascinating to see how many price are identical. For example, in my experience Carte Noire coffee is consistently the same (£2.75 at the time of writing). Though it's on special offer at Tesco at the moment. Sainsbury's had it on offer last month and Asda before that.
Whatever the outcome of the OFT investigation it's a great game. Play now.
On another shopping note...
Money Shop - is the place to save money on everything financial.
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