Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO) is under fire for not providing enough information on price labels on its Clubcard loyalty card, a practice consumer group Which? argues could be against the law.
Which? complained to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), suggesting a lack of unit pricing per 100g or 100ml on Clubcard labels could be a “misleading practice”.
Finding the best deal was difficult since customers could not compare prices of the same quantity of products in and out of Clubcard deals, Which? explained, with these often displaying slogans about saving money.
“Tesco’s unclear Clubcard pricing is at best confusing for shoppers struggling with soaring food inflation and at worst could be breaking the law,” Which? food head Sue Davies said.
“Tesco should think of its customers and act now to introduce clear unit pricing on all offers, including Clubcard promotions, so shoppers can easily find the best value items.”
Which? also called on the regulator to explore unit pricing on “the growing number” of schemes geared towards supermarket members as part of a review.
The CMA has previously said it would investigate the issue, adding it was important shoppers could compare pricing and access the best deals amid higher living costs.
Scrutiny has also been placed on supermarkets on the back of soaring food inflation, which sat at 19.1% in April, as per Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.
Tesco argued that it was compliant with “current rules”, adding “we are disappointed that Which? has chosen to make these ill-founded claims against our Clubcard Prices scheme”.
“Providing great value and clear pricing is really important to us […] we are supportive of calls for greater clarity on the regulations in this area.”