In my area there’s a grocery store that has made a huge announcement of how it’s going to freeze prices in all 155 of its stores. Thousands of items all over the store. Starting January 1st and lasting 90 days. How altruistic of them.
But is it? Really, if you think of it, they’re doing this at a time when prices are at an all time high. They didn’t lower them first to match the falling transportation costs. No, they left them exactly where they went up to when all the exorbitant fuel surcharges were in effect.
I stopped at one of these stores today to pick up just a few things. On display all over the store there were these nifty little signs designating which items fell under the price freeze. Everywhere I looked I saw them. So I started watching people. I saw several reaching for these controlled products. I was very tempted to ask if it was their regular brand they were choosing or if they were influenced by the hype. But then I decided not to. If people are happier, believing they’re getting some sort of bargain, what right do I have to burst their bubble?
But is it? Really, if you think of it, they’re doing this at a time when prices are at an all time high. They didn’t lower them first to match the falling transportation costs. No, they left them exactly where they went up to when all the exorbitant fuel surcharges were in effect.
I stopped at one of these stores today to pick up just a few things. On display all over the store there were these nifty little signs designating which items fell under the price freeze. Everywhere I looked I saw them. So I started watching people. I saw several reaching for these controlled products. I was very tempted to ask if it was their regular brand they were choosing or if they were influenced by the hype. But then I decided not to. If people are happier, believing they’re getting some sort of bargain, what right do I have to burst their bubble?
5 comments:
Clever? Yes. But you're more clever to understand that their "price freeze" doesn't really benefit you, the consumer.
It's all about Pavlov's dog...
I buy what's on my list. That's it.
Saw a show the other day that talked about how big companies convince the consumer they aren't raising prices. Cereal boxes look the same on the shelf, same price but turn it sideways and you'll see the box is THINNER. It's a con. The consumer is actually getting less product.
Also...I'm beginning to buy more products with see-through containers/wrappers. Canned veggies are being packaged as mainly WATER. A container of raisins was half empty after it was opened. Now I'm buying fresh veggies and steaming. At least I know what I'm getting.
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