Loyalty pricing in the groceries sector
The CMA has begun a review of loyalty pricing by supermarkets.
Administrative timetable
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 30 January 2024 | Review opened |
Summary
With the rise in some supermarkets making cheaper prices only available for loyalty card members, the CMA announced that it would begin a review of loyalty pricing by supermarkets in January 2024.
In line with that announcement, our review of loyalty pricing started this month. The review is part of a programme of work by the CMA to help tackle cost of living pressures in the groceries sector.
The review will consider issues such as:
- whether any aspects of loyalty pricing could mislead shoppers, for example whether the loyalty price is a genuine promotion or as good a deal as presented
- whether any groups of shoppers are disadvantaged by this type of promotional activity
- whether loyalty pricing is impacting consumer behaviour, and whether this has an impact on how supermarkets compete with each other
The review is at an early stage and we have not formed any views on the issues. We are now beginning our engagement with supermarkets. We will publish an update on our work in July 2024, and expect to complete our review by the end of the year.
Contact
- Senior Responsible Officer, George Lusty, george.lusty@cma.gov.uk
- Project Director, Louise Strong, louise.strong@cma.gov.uk
- Assistant Project Director, Debbie Kitcher-Jones, debbie.kitcher-jones@cma.gov.uk
- Email groceriespricing@cma.gov.uk
Any media enquiries should be directed to a member of our Press Office: press@cma.gov.uk