Pay double for a Dyson at Sainsbury’s

SHOPPERS were yesterday warned about a doublepricing policy at Sainsbury’s superstores.

Some electrical products are twice the price charged by Argos, which the supermarket chain owns and houses in larger stores.

A Dyson cord-free vacuum cleaner came with a price tag of £320 at Sainsbury’s, while in the same building it was for sale at £189.98 with Argos. The equivalent prices for a Breville Impressions kettle were £ 5 and £29.99. The disparities will be revealed by Channel ’s consumer series Supershoppers tonight at 8.30pm.

Retail consultant John Ibbotson told the programme the policy would damage the Sainsbury’s brand. Asked about the price difference, he said: ‘Sainsbury’s may own Argos but they are two different companies with two different buying operations. Argos is the secondbiggest retailer of consumer electricals in the UK. They can buy their electrical products for a much cheaper price from the supplier than Sainsbury’s can.

‘As soon as consumers realise that Sainsbury’s own Argos they cannot have different prices. If they do, the confidence in the consumer in the Sainsbury’s brand will erode.’

The supermarket chain bought Argos for £1. billion last year and started opening Argos stores on its premises soon afterwards.