Competition key to value for money

THE mantra that people should shop around for better value is endorsed by a survey showing consumers can save almost 300% through greater competition in the high street.

There is no doubt the arrival here of low-price groups such as Aldi and Lidl brings a more competitive edge to shopping in a market where former supermarket chief Ben Dunne warned yesterday that his family’s famed ‘better value’ Dunnes Stores group should cut prices if they are to survive.

Since the introduction of the euro, prices have soared beyond all reasonable levels in Ireland. Indeed, there is an insidious perception that the euro no longer has any value. Prices have escalated not only for basic products but also for vital services such as health.