Paul M. Cook wrote:

> So Albertson's has had this big thing going on - 20% reduction
> storewide. I must admit I was skeptical but they really did lower
> their prices a bit. For a while. As I am a creature of habit I buy
> the same stuff over and over. So I know what their regular prices
> are on a great many items. Take mozarella cheese - Sargento - 1
> pound ball. Usually 3.99 often on sale. OK, so now the "store price"
> is 8.99 and they have it "marked down" to 6.99. Same with pretty much
> all I buy. I checked the jarred sauces I buy, the Indian curries,
> the canned meats and beans, the canned tomatoes - all of them are
> sporting sale prices that are higher than what was the store price
> for ages.
>
> So another huge price hike masquerading as a price reduction. I
> guess they figure people won't notice.

The Jewel chain in the Midwest does the same shtick, too...they claim
they've "lowered" prices on any number of items, but the prices are still
very high since the quoted "previous" prices are vastly inflated...I mean
who in 'ell would think that the store brand of a can of green beans is a
"bargain" at $1.29 or whatever.

Another sale practice I've noticed is "Buy $30.00 on the selected items
below and get $10.00 off of your next grocery purchase". Many of these
"selected" items have inflated prices, in the end even if you are getting a
ten buck credit on yer next purchase you are losing out...

Ya gotta know prices and watch those prices like a *hawk*...most don't, so
they get poor value for their grocery dollar.


--
Best
Greg