These groceries are cheapest at South Africa’s only luxury retailer
Before you stand in queues at your go-to supermarket, these are the specials that matter.
Surprisingly, these specials reveal the products that are cheapest at South Africa’s upmarket retailer.
Groceries cheaper at SA’s luxury retailer
No one thinks of Woolies when they think cheap or affordable.
But, earlier in the year, the retailer shared how consumers were under pressure.
In a trading update, they flagged slower earnings as shoppers spend less, even on essentials.
Now, it appears the retailer is adjusting prices to cater to tighter pockets.
The shop has lowered the price of its 2.5 kilograms of white sugar, branded sodas, and canned tomatoes.
For toiletries, you can also get tissues and toilet paper cheaper, but only if you purchase multiple units.
The Products Cheapest at Woolies
When compared to the other three major retailers: Checkers, Shoprite, Pick ‘n Pay, these are the specials where the shop is cheapest.
These prices are based on products of retailers in Gauteng.
Many of these specials require you to purchase the product in-store and swipe your loyalty card.
| Item | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| White sugar 2.5kg | 1 | R53.99 |
| Canola oil 2L | 1 | R69.99 |
| Maize meal 2.5kg | 1 | R31.99 |
| Coca-Cola (less sugar) 2L | 3 | R78.00 |
| Fanta / Sprite / Stoney 2L | 2 | R39.00 |
| Italian canned tomatoes 400g | 5 | R100.00 |
| 2 ply tissues 180 pieces | 3 | R75.00 |
| 2 ply toilet paper 18 rolls | 2 | R220.00 |
Virtually No Difference
On other products, they may not be cheaper, but to entice shoppers, they seem to have matched competing supermarket prices.
| Item | Woolworths | Pick ‘n Pay | Checkers | Shoprite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UHT milk 6 pack | R99.99 | R99.99 | R99.99 | R99.99 |
| White long-grain rice 2kg | R31.99 | R32.99 | R29.99 | R29.99 |
| Cake wheat flour 2kg | R29.99 | R32.99 | R29.99 | R29.99 |
| Rolled oats 1kg | R36.99 | R37.99 | R36.99 | R36.99 |
| Custard 1L | R26.99 | R26.99 | R24.99 | R36.99 |
What You Shouldn’t Buy
Not everything is affordable at Woolworths; the store has a reputation for a reason.
So, if you choose to shop, avoid these products while filling up your trolley.
Eggs
The cheapest pack of 18 eggs in the store is R91.99. That’s 42% more expensive than other retailers. If you compare it to free range eggs at other retailers, it’s still roughly R22 more than the closest option: Pick ‘n Pay, where 18 large free range eggs sell for R70.
Butchery Products
From mince to chicken, the shop is significantly more expensive than every other supermarket in this category. While butchery items will go on promotion, it won’t be cheaper than the promotions offered by other shops like Checkers and Pick ‘n Pay.
Fruit Juices
Fresh fruit juice is 33% (R40) more expensive than similar options at other retailers. Although these juices have a premium flavour and quality, when you need to save money, leave them on the shelf and buy your fruit juice elsewhere.
Spices
The cheapest spice blend is R29.99 for 100 grams. You can get an equivalent weight product for roughly R20 at any other retailer. If you bloom your spices before cooking, you’ll improve the quality and enhance the flavour.
Filling Up Your Trolley
You can choose where you want to fill up your trolley.
But this comparison highlights the cheapest option from each retailer.
| Item | Woolworths | Pick ‘n Pay | Checkers | Shoprite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamb chops (per kg) | R249.99 | R179.99 | R199.99 | R169.99 |
| Chicken pieces (per kg) | R94.99 | R64.99 | R69.99 | R67.98 |
| Fresh fruit juice 3L | R120 | R79.99 | R64.99 | R64.99 |
| Plain low-fat yoghurt | R55.99 | R35.99 | R36.99 | R34.99 |
| 18 Large eggs | R91.99 | R52.99 | R59.99 | R51.99 |
| Rooibos tea 80 bags | R49.99 | R38.99 | R37.99 | R32.99 |
| Instant coffee 200g | R144.99 | R119.99 | R119.99 | R119.99 |
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