Chinanews.com, August 17. According to a report from Argentine Chinese.com, Argentina's current severe economic situation is forcing consumers to look for better prices and promotional products when shopping.
The current huge price difference makes it difficult for consumers to find products at the same price in two stores, albeit a few blocks apart.
According to a survey by consultancy Scentia, the price of certain products can vary widely in different stores, and even more if customers re-use promotional opportunities (usually large supermarket chains).
According to the person in charge of the consulting company, historically, large supermarket chains are usually cheaper than community convenience stores. During the epidemic, this gap has increased, reaching an average of 25%.
For example, by comparing the online prices of two community mini-markets and a Chinese supermarket in the same area, as well as large supermarket chains, it was found that the gap between the highest and lowest prices of nearly 50 items reached 100%, and the average was 100%. The difference is about 30%.
For example, the Natura brand 500 grams of salad dressing is priced at 504 pesos, 510 pesos and 515 pesos in two community supermarkets and Chinese supermarkets, respectively, while in chain stores it only sells for 236 pesos, a gap of 118%; another example is 1.5 liters of Coca-Cola. , the prices of the above supermarkets are 297 pesos, 270 pesos, 250 pesos and 146.10 pesos respectively, the gap is also more than 100%.
The gap is even greater when it comes to items covered by the Price Care Scheme, which does not cover community supermarkets.
In addition, because the government-approved price increases for included goods are not in line with monthly inflation, their prices are also growing farther from the prices of other off-plan goods.
“Increased consumption of these products has led to supply issues,” the industry said. For example, a Sancor 360-gram cream under the Price Care Program sells for 296.64 pesos at major supermarket chains and 491 pesos and 525 pesos at two community stores. , the gap reached 77%.
It is promotions and discounts, which are often used by the latter, to further expand the prices of community stores and large supermarket chains.
For example, a bottle of La Serenísima's long-term milk is priced at 219 pesos and 213 pesos in two community supermarkets, while the price on the supermarket chain's online platform is 211.95 pesos, a price difference of 27%; For four bottles, the price per bottle drops to 158.96 pesos, widening the gap to 38%.
“Price differences in stores in the same area depend on where, how, and when customers buy. In comparison, consumers will always find that most items are cheaper in the big supermarket chains. Although some products are not quite the same.” Another example is Favorita’s four-zero one-kilogram flour sold at 209 pesos and 179 pesos at two community stores, and 152 pesos at large chain stores, a difference of 38%; 500 grams of Gallo oro rice It sells 137 pesos in community stores, 180 pesos in Chinese supermarkets, and 126 pesos in chain stores, a gap of 42%; Arcor Light strawberry jam sells 390 pesos and 425 pesos in community stores, 330 pesos in Chinese supermarkets, and 330 pesos in Chinese supermarkets. Large supermarket chains sell for 468.39 pesos.
In this case, large supermarket chains are the most expensive, and Chinese supermarkets are the cheapest.
It is understood that there are about 28 outlets for mass consumer goods across the country, of which 30% are large chain supermarkets, and the other 70% include small stores, kiosks, mini stores, beef shops, etc.
An industry insider in the food industry said: "The price gap between large supermarket chains is generally not large, only 3% to 4%, but there is more involvement of middlemen in traditional channels, including transportation and logistics costs when reaching the point of sale. It will lead to a relatively large difference. In addition, in the context of inflation, all parties have doubts, because it is not known how long it will take to buy the same goods, which will cause absolute disaster in this industry and even in all areas of the economy.” ( Huang Dong)