As the season approaches, we, the locals, prepare for the influx of visitors and tourists and the benefits and drawbacks associated with that. We brace ourselves for longer queues, more noise, and different driving habits from what we are accustomed to in our village. At the same time the economic impact of tourism on our community is significant through the creation of hundreds of employment opportunities.

BEST PRICING

This week, we did some investigating to see the impact on the pricing of certain food items over the festive season and if the retailers capitalise on this.

A post on social media suggested that the price of Apples had increased significantly in preparation for the festive season, with the retailer preparing to “fleece” the holidaymakers and, as a consequence, the locals.

COMPARING APPLES WITH APPLES

We found that apples were retailing at the price mentioned in the post. But as we looked further into the matter, we discovered that these apples were a new variety to the store and that they had not been in stock the previous week, so in fact, apples were compared with apples, just not the same apples.

When we looked on the shelves, we found that the prices for apples varied from R45,99 for a 1,5kg packet of Top Red Apples, a different variety to the normal Red Starking Apples, to as little as R20,99 for a kilogram.

GET THE BEST DEALS

There are always good deals if you look out for them. Being part of the retailer’s reward programs is free of charge but can lead to 10 to 15% savings on a trolley of goods. Keep an eye out for the combination packages, which are often only applicable if you are a Rewards card holder.

Many residents came to the area to retire, so pensioner discount is a real thing! If you don’t already have a pensioner discount card, speak to the management and complete the necessary documentation.

Wednesday is Market Day at the SUPERSPAR Village Square & Village Main, so this is a good day to look out for specials on fruit, veggies, eggs, poultry and butchery items.

Specials and deals are regularly posted on social media pages (links above), so be vigilant, and you will find good deals!

SENSITIVE TO PRICE

Mickey Lindsay, SUPERSPAR Village Square General Manager, shared the following insights with us: “All Supermarkets are at the mercy of supply and demand. Our prices are dependent on what the supplier pays for the produce at the market. If there is a surplus of a certain item, when that item hits the shelf, the retail prices will reflect that. We are very aware of the support we get from our community throughout the year, and as such, we are sensitive to our pricing structures.”

Lindsay confirmed, “Be, the Fruit & Vegetable Manager, procures from 5 different suppliers to secure the best combination of price and quality.”

SEASON IS NEARLY UPON US

If the queues over the festive season are a cause for concern, it may be worthwhile taking the short trip to the Humansdorp SUPERSPAR Village Main or make use of Trolley Dolly for your large shops or SPAR2U for the essential items.

SUPERSPAR Village Square will be extending their trading hours over the festive season to alleviate the additional foot traffic. The hours will be as follows:

13th–31st December:

  • SUPERSPAR (7am–8pm)
  • Tops (9am–8pm)

1st January 2025 onwards:

  • SUPERSPAR (7am–7pm)
  • Tops (9am–7pm)

So, as the season approaches, lets be aware of the fact that many of the small businesses in town only have three or four windows of opportunity throughout the year to make their enterprises sustainable.

Support local where possible!

Read more: Keeping St Francis Safe This Season with SUPERSPAR, and some Massive Savings This Weekend!

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