The produce section of Plaza Extra East By. PLAZA EXTRA EAST
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs on Tuesday released its latest market survey findings, which was completed on February 14. The survey found that Plaza Extra East on St. Croix offered the most savings to grocery shoppers among five supermarkets on the island. On St. Thomas, the Plaza Extra Supermarket took the top spot in savings, D.L.C.A. made known.
DLCA said the Market Basket survey is designed to inform consumers of which stores have the best prices no matter the brand on staple grocery items. The number of items compared on each island varies as a result of comparison guidelines that require items are identical in order to produce a valid survey. Market basket surveys are included for comparative viewing, the department said.
The results, according to DLCA:
St. Croix: five stores were surveyed: Pueblo Golden Rock, Pueblo La Reine, Plaza Extra East, Plaza Extra West, and Stop and Shop Supermarket. A total of 23 of the same items were compared at each location. The difference between the highest and lowest-priced basket for February was $9.62. The lowest-priced family market basket was found at Plaza Extra East location at $57.35. Plaza Extra West came in second with a market basket cost of $59.27; $1.92 cents more than Plaza Extra East. Stop and Shop Supermarket came in third with a basket cost of $63.47. Pueblo La Reine came in fourth with $66.26. Pueblo Golden Rock was fifth with a market basket of 66.97.
St. Thomas: four stores were surveyed: Plaza Extra, Food Center, and Pueblo Long Bay and Pueblo Sub Base. A total of 32 of the same items were compared at each location. The difference between the highest and lowest-priced basket was $31.80. The lowest priced family market basket was found at Plaza Extra with a cost of $84.40. Pueblo Long Bay location came in second with a market basket cost of $99.46. Pueblo Sub Base came in third with a basket cost of $100.27. Food Center came in fourth with a cost of $116.20.
St. John: four stores were surveyed: Dolphin Market Cruz Bay, Dolphin Market Coral Bay, Dolphin Market Chocolate Hole and Starfish Market. A total of 32 of the same items were compared at each location. The difference between the highest and lowest priced market basket was $3.56. The lowest priced family market basket was found at Dolphin Market Coral Bay with a cost of $152.19. Dolphin Market Chocolate Hole came in second with a market basket cost of $152.78. Dolphin Market Cruz Bay came in third with a basket cost of $154.50. Starfish Market came in fourth with a cost of $155.75.
D.L.C.A. reminded consumers to shop wisely and compare food prices to make the best economic choices. Consumers or Merchants with questions may contact Consumer Affairs Division on St. Croix at 713-3522, St. Thomas at 714-3522, or on St. John at 693-8036. For consumer related issues you may contact us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook.
