Trust in supermarkets drops to a nine-year low as shoppers feel ripped off
TRUST in supermarkets has dropped to a nine-year low as more shoppers feels ripped off, new research says.
The consumer watchdog Which? found 67 per cent of UK adults believe supermarket convenience stores were overcharging customers.
Trust in the industry dropped to 32 out of 100 last month — 36 points less than in May 2020 and the lowest since November 2014, according to its data.
Today Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, urged supermarkets to improve availability of essential budget options in their smaller stores to help those on lower incomes.
He said: “People should not have to pay over the odds for everyday essentials just because they struggle to get to a large supermarket.
“While the whole food supply chain affects prices, supermarkets have the power to do more to support people who are struggling, including ensuring everyone has easy access to basic, affordable budget ranges at a store near them, including smaller stores for consumers who rely on these.”
Nearly six in 10 have been shopping around for cheaper items as overall food prices remain 19 per cent higher than a year ago, its survey of 2,000 UK adults showed.
A record 88 per cent of consumers were worried about the price of food and just over half who rely on convenience stores at least once a week said they were struggling financially with the cost-of-living crisis — compared to 35 per cent of consumers overall.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is due to publish its final report into high supermarket food and fuel prices by July 7.
The British Retail Consortium and CMA have been approached for comment.
Source:https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/trust-supermarkets-drops-nine-year-low-shoppers-feel-ripped
