Data shows Woolworths is ‘cheapest’ grocer: Tweeps unconvinced

A comprehensive comparison between some of the leading grocers in South Africa – including Woolworths, Checkers and Pick n Pay – has yielded fascinating results.

The Outlier; a publication that uses data and visual storytelling to create stories of public interest, has compared the prices of a basket of basic goods between the major retailers.

And for those who had preconceived ideas about what to expect were met with surprise.

ALSO READ: Savvy shopping: How to save money on your grocery food haul

WOOLWORTHS ‘CHEAPER’ FOR BASKET OF BASIC GOOD

In a tweet posted by radio personality Rob Forbes, The Otier compared the prices of essential food items in SA during the month of July.

The list included one loaf of bread, sunflower oil, maize meal, sugar, 2 litres of milk, rice, flour, bath soap, and an 18-pack of toilet paper rolls. The grocery basket found here, listed specific brands and quantities.

The comparison was made between stores Woolworths, Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Spar. The data also compared the prices of goods purchased in-store and online.

And the results were a bit of a shocker, reports the publication: In-store shopping at Woolworths was the most affordable option at R438,91, 7% cheaper than Checkers, the most expensive option at R470,41 for the same bag of goods.

Spar came in second, whilst Pick n Pay was hot on the heels of Checkers in their in-store comparison.

Responding to the data, head of online & mobile at Woolworths Liz Hillock told the publication: “It is deliberately our strategy to be competitively affordable and accessible to as many South African customers as possible on quality basic food items which are important to them. 

“We track pricing on thousands of items weekly and adjust prices to ensure we are competitive.”

For online and app purchases, Spar emerged in the top spot, followed by Checkers, Woolworths, and then Pick n Pay

CONSUMERS HAVE MIXED THOUGHTS

But whilst the prices spoke for themselves, many tweeps had a hard time believing that Woolworths – known for their decadent food items – was the “cheapest” option.

@moozir: “It’s not the basics that trip us up at Woolworths though, it’s the other sneaky little things that worm their way into baskets”

@Kevinven1: “Look I saved R12 on the basics but blew an extra R1500 of things I didn’t need”

@sharmini30: “Does anyone actually go into Woolies for only these items and come out with exactly these? A study needs to be done on how to avoid adding a pie, cheese sticks, and a chocolate doughnut as well”

@DryEtienne: “Problem is it is nearly impossible to ignore the prawn salad, tiramisu, and pickled tongue whilst shopping for these basics” 

@Junz_Khan: “This study didn’t take into consideration the extended bond needed to buy Woolworths black bags”

Twitter

ALSO READ: Forget petrol: Woolworth’s rotisserie chicken gets another price hike!

Others had other burning questions about the data comparison.

@HabibiSouth: “Where is Shoprite? Where is Shoprite’s USave? Where are the smaller retailers? You know, the places where the majority of South Africans shop?”

@Nokulun66188298: “It’s cheaper for smaller families if you’re from a big African family. We buy in 20kgs and 10 litres everything”

@punkrockjuls: “Logically that doesn’t even make sense? Where are the economies of scale that the larger players like Checkers have? Shouldn’t this be passed down to consumers?”

@xtinamagwaza: “If this is the amount for these few basic items, how is 90% of the population surviving on R2000-R5000a month? Insane”

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