State probe: No price-gouging at other local supermarkets

Customers avoiding Market Basket are complaining about the prices at other grocery stores, but a state investigation found no evidence of price-gouging at the Tewksbury chain's competitors.

"We did send inspectors out to look and see if there was anything funky with the prices," said Amie O'Hearn, spokeswoman for the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. "Prices are naturally higher at other chains, but we didn't find anything out of the ordinary."

This month's survey, which looked at a selection of food and grocery items in several areas where stores compete with Market Basket, did not reveal any wide price discrepancies, O'Hearn said.

Market Basket shoppers have been boycotting or otherwise steering clear of its 71 stores amid employee protests that started July 18 in support of fired CEO Arthur T. Demoulas. Market Basket's stores — known for their low prices — now are largely empty of customers and perishables.

Although the state hasn't received complaints alleging price-gouging, shoppers are venting their frustrations about higher prices on social media.

But "limited assortment supermarkets" are lower-priced alternatives to Market Basket, according to a survey by Somerville consumer advocate Edgar Dworksy. He checked prices of almost 24 common store-brand items on Aug. 6 at Market Basket, Stop & Shop and Save-a-Lot stores in Chelsea, Star Market in Somerville, Aldi in Medford and Price Rite in Revere. Aldi had the lowest prices, with the items costing 17 percent less than
Market Basket. Price Rite and Save-A-Lot were about 10 percent cheaper than Market Basket.

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