Quote:
Originally Posted by Crusty
It has been my experience in the lakes region (and in central Ohio) that supermarket prices depend on the day and the store. Last summer, while looking for cheap butter, I noticed that there was nearly a dollar/pound difference between the Tilton Walmart and the Gilford Walmart. Stores compete against each other in the same locale, not chain-wide. Since individual items are no longer price-stickered, all a store need do is change a single shelf tag and update their store's computer. Bingo, new pricing every day. When the new MB opens, everyone in that area will shuffle their prices to draw the most customers and maximize their profits. Any store that can't turn a profit will eventually close. In my opinion, the key to success is value for money. This includes service, selection, and quality, as well as price. That's the capitalist way. [Sorry to inject politics, but it seems to be a New Hampshire requirement.  ] |
Varying price points to match the competitive set is what I call "street fighting".
Companies that are bound by national or regional pricing do so at their own peril.
Another factor in this might be the store layout. We have been to MB exactly once. Wifey liked the prices and product but found the store layout to be frustrating. It was different than the stores she usually shops. Her pattern of shopping was disrupted.
I am aware that supermarkets occasionally do a "reset" to allow their customers to see different items as they shop.
I wonder if a new MB would be set up the same way.