Store price pledge broken - MP

A PLEDGE made by Safeway two years ago to equalise prices in its Lewes and Seaford supermarkets has not been kept, claims local MP Norman Baker.

A survey of prices in April, 2000, revealed Safeway shoppers paid four per cent more in Seaford compared to Lewes.

Seaford's Safeway manager said at the time: 'Different offers and promotions can obviously affect prices between stores, but if we find that the same products are selling for less elsewhere, then we will take steps to rectify the situation.'

But despite this assurance, a new survey by the Lib Dem MP of 21 products revealed five price differences ranging from 3p up to 31p, excluding special offers.

But the roles are now reversed and customers at the Lewes superstore are bearing the brunt of the higher prices.

Said Mr Baker: 'I believe that Safeway in Lewes two years ago had lower prices to reflect direct competition with the Tesco store in the town.

'Perhaps the main competition is now with Sainsbury's in Newhaven.'

Speaking about the situation in Lewes, Mr Baker added: 'I find it concerning that Safeway shoppers in Lewes are paying more than Safeway shoppers in Seaford.

'I have previously raised the price differences with Safeway but it seems the problem persists despite assurances the situation would be rectified.

'I will keep my eye on Safeway's prices in both Lewes and Seaford to ensure that my constituents who shop there get a fair deal. The current pricing arrangements need some explaining and must be reviewed as soon as possible.'

Said a Safeway spokesman: 'We have a national pricing policy on those key lines that customers buy regularly.

'We have a small number of different pricing policies covering convenience stores, supermarkets and superstores. This recognises that the costs of operating some stores are different.

'For example size, location, staff costs, tenure, will all impact on store running costs.

'We are able to offer slightly lower prices in our superstores as the costs of operating large, out of town stores are lower than for small, town centre supermarkets.

'Seaford is a superstore, Lewes a supermarket.

'The prices are different on about 30 per cent of product lines and vary by between two and three per cent.

'Our store managers are also encouraged to use local initiatives, including local pricing, to help them compete effectively in a specific location. The manager is best placed to know what his customers want and he can offer reduced prices on key products.'