Metro supermarkets are facing criticism from customers for allegedly misleading pricing practices, with claims that regular prices are inflated to create the appearance of larger discounts. Longtime shopper Jean-François Mauger highlighted discrepancies he found during a recent visit, prompting him to voice his concerns. While Metro attributes the issues to human error, a retail expert noted that rapid product turnover can lead to mistakes. The company has promised to improve its pricing clarity in response to customer feedback.
Metro Supermarkets Accused of Misleading Pricing Practices
Customers at Metro supermarkets are expressing their frustration over what they perceive as deceptive practices regarding pricing. Reports indicate that the grocery chain has been inflating the regular prices of certain products to create the illusion of larger discounts.
One customer, Jean-François Mauger, a technician who relies on discounts due to his modest salary, voiced his concerns. “The strategy is either intentional and illegal, or it’s a case of gross incompetence,” he stated. Mauger, who has been a loyal shopper at the Metro Bigras on Gauthier Street for 17 years, was shocked to discover inflated prices during a recent shopping trip.
Uncovering the Price Inflation Scheme
During his visit, Mauger noticed discrepancies in the pricing of various items such as ham, feta, and hummus. For example, the yellow label on Krisnos feta advertised a sale price of $6.79, while the original price was listed as $7.49, despite the true regular price being $7.29. “While twenty cents may not seem significant, it’s the principle that angers me,” he emphasized.
After spotting six misleading price tags within just five minutes, Mauger felt compelled to speak out. “If there was just one mistake, I could understand, but six is unacceptable,” he remarked.
Further investigations by *Le Journal* at six additional Metro locations in Montreal revealed that two also displayed similar pricing issues. The remaining four stores had no discrepancies. In response, Metro’s corporate office attributed these issues to human error, highlighting the challenges of maintaining accurate pricing in a fast-paced grocery environment.
According to Jacques Nantel, a retail specialist, the frequent changes in product availability and pricing in the produce section can lead to mistakes. “Discount oranges sell quickly, requiring constant replenishment and price adjustments,” he explained. This rapid turnover can easily result in errors in labeling.
Mauger expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “Metro is making substantial profits while many struggle to afford groceries. Ironically, it is also one of the most expensive supermarkets in Quebec.” In an email response, spokesperson Geneviève Grégoire acknowledged the issue, explaining that the prices in the produce section are updated frequently and that the incorrect labeling resulted from not updating both the regular and sale price tags simultaneously.
Grégoire assured customers that a memo was dispatched to all stores to reinforce the importance of changing both price labels to prevent confusion among shoppers. “With consumers being more vigilant than ever, it’s crucial for us to ensure clarity in our pricing,” she added.