Price check: Why do prices vary for similar products at grocery stores in the same area?
As the BND continues to monitor prices for food staples at five St. Clair County grocery stores, new and additional information regarding food costs will be provided as questions arise.
After posting the initial Price Check story, one reader sent an email to the BND stating that in the same week, there was a $1 price difference for eggs between Aldi stores in Belleville and Swansea and asked why that might be.
According to the pricing FAQs page at Aldi.us, prices may vary store to store because “ALDI considers many factors when setting product prices, including production and operating costs, market conditions, local regulations, consumer demand and the competitive landscape.”
During the BND’s most recent weekly price check, egg prices were checked at Aldi stores in Swansea, Fairview Heights and O’Fallon.
One dozen large eggs at Aldi in Belleville were available for $4.97 compared to $3.99 at each of the other Aldi stores on the same day.
Prices for one gallon of 2% milk were also checked at all four Aldi stores. The prices as of March 26 were $2.52 in Belleville and $2.49 at the other three stores.
Another reader posted a comment on the website stating that Ruler Foods in Fairview Heights offers eggs priced from $3.49 to $3.99 and has for a while.
A March 28 online price check among various area Dollar General and DG Market locations show eggs priced at $5.95.
So why do prices differ for similar products among stores, even within the same chain?
Common factors in varying food costs often include competition, real estate costs, inventory levels, local promotions, store size and staffing, transportation and supply chain costs, customer demographics and store manager discretion.
Walmart’s online FAQ states that prices can vary from Walmart store to another because “each store is required to manage its own inventory.”
Managers can lower prices to clear overstock items, to reward customers with sales or to compete with other grocery stores, according to the website.
The BND will continue to monitor grocery prices at Aldi (Belleville), Schnucks (Swansea), Target (Fairview Heights), Walmart (O’Fallon) and Dierbergs (Shiloh).
Week 1 represents prices recorded on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Prices are updated on a weekly basis.
Questions and feedback regarding the Price Check project are always welcome and can be sent via email to newsroom@bnd.com.
This story was originally published April 1, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
