To:                            whom it may concern

 

Date:                                              27^th March 2003

 

Witnesses Present:                                                      Miss Eve Moore, of 40 Hemlingford Road, Sutton Coldfield

                                                      Mr Jonathan Deeming, of 61 Penns Lane, Sutton Coldfield

 

Subject:                           PRICE VARIATION IN LEADING SUPERMARKET CHAINS           

 

 

 

On the above date, the two said witnesses conducted a random, but entirely justifiable piece of market research in the urban centres of Erdington and Wylde Green.  Without prior warning to any individuals (including certain History and English teachers), these intrepid reporters faced unspeakable embarrassment in entering different supermarket chains, with the express purpose to uncover the hidden world that is price fixing.  Over a field time period amounting to some 2 hours, the thorough examination of prices of a standard tin of ‘Felix’ cat food took place. 

 

The following preliminary results have been released:

 

 

 

 

As is evident, price fixing is occurring in the Wylde Green and Erdington areas of North Birmingham. 

 

Clearly it is Kwiksave who are able to undercut other leading supermarket chains, at the greatest variance, amounting to some 12pence sterling. However, in defence of Spar (whom incidentally have refused to comment until this report has been made available to them), it must be noted that here we have a true convenience store.  Operating 24 hours per day, everyday (including Christmas Day), it is understandable that this store will have higher running costs, which can be justifiably passed down to its consumer base.  If this means that cat food is more expensive at Spar, then so be it.  We regard this as a small price to pay for the excellent service Spar offers. 

 

We understand also that this survey is only relevant to those members of the general public who match the following criteria:

 

1.Own a Cat

2.Purchase Felix branded cat food

3.Live in either Erdington or Wylde Green (or conduct cat food shopping in these areas)

4.Are unfortunate enough to know either of the said witnesses

 

 

As a final note, we advise that this report, though factually accurate at the time of publication, is still the work of 2 A-Level students and as such, should probably be disposed of immediately.