04/09/2008

Shoppers Fly North For The Winter

As the Euro value heads skywards, Irish shoppers are migrating north to cash in on the widening price gap.

A survey by the National Consumer Council (NCC) has shown the disparity between the Republic's prices and that of the North is steadily growing, prompting shoppers to cross the border for their groceries.

The survey showed some of Tesco's goods were over two thirds more expensive in their Irish stores, while Dunnes Stores and Lidl also charged significantly more in the South.

The NCC revealed that in June, branded groceries were 30% more expensive in the Republic than in the North, and despite the Euro's recent 8% appreciation, a spokesman for the Consumer Council said they did not believe Ireland’s mark-up was justified.

(DW/KMcA)


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