After all the hope and promise that a new supermarket retailer might finally shake things up in Jersey, it seems that Morrisons has set its prices to effectively match those it inherited from the Sandpiper-run Morrisons Daily franchise.
And, more worryingly, our quick survey this week has revealed that the new Morrisons prices are an eye-watering 45% more expensive than those available items in their own UK stores.
Clearly, they are only just opening up their new Jersey stores, and there is a promise of some kind of loyalty or point-based card being launched at some point, but from a consumer perspective, our brief survey of 20 essential shopping basket items has left us all a little deflated.
Our survey was prompted by some Islanders taking to social media to highlight the fact that they’d spotted a Morrisons Best pizza for £7.39 in Jersey, with the exact same product costing £4.75 in the UK.
Our volunteers will keep monitoring prices to see if they settle down and wait to see how their card may affect prices, but in the meantime please remember to shop around – you will be surprised how much you can save.
To see how Morrisons compares to our other supermarkets, have a look at prices.je.
Prices are correct at the time of doing the survey – they may have changed since
We’ve been contacted by several Islanders in recent weeks who are still unable to obtain credit cards, despite credit reference agencies now having secure access to Islanders’ data through new data-sharing arrangements.
Since our last update in July, where we answered consumers’ questions about the new credit data-sharing arrangements, we’ve been told that Islanders are still being refused access to credit cards from providers such as American Express, John Lewis and Barclaycard.
You can come and meet representatives of the Jersey Consumer Council next week and talk to us about any consumer issues you may be facing.
For our second ‘Jersey Consumer Fair... On the road’, we’ll be at St Brelade Parish Hall at St Aubin on Thursday, 8 October, from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
As the evenings become cooler and Christmas items begin to appear in the shops, autumn is a good time to take a fresh look at your household spending.
Winter can bring additional costs, from higher energy use and fuel to seasonal shopping and household expenses. So, taking a little time now to check what you’re currently paying for could help you avoid unnecessary costs and unpleasant surprises later in the year.
Water bills will be going up again next year, with average households set to pay around £30 more as Jersey Water continues its investment in securing the Island's water supply.
The utility provider has confirmed its water charges for 2027, alongside its priorities for the second year of its strategy to 2030.
The Jersey Consumer Council is saddened by the death of one of our Council Members, Pat Le Masurier.
Pat had been a committed and respected Member since July 2018, and was passionate about giving her time and experience to help improve consumer issues for Islanders.
September is often seen as a month for getting back into a routine. The summer holidays are over, children are back at school, and life starts to feel a little more organised again. It’s also a good time to take a fresh look at your household finances – including those regular payments that quietly leave your bank account each month.
Opinion Poll
The Jersey Consumer Council frequently asks Islanders to take part in polls on a range of topics.
Just tap on one of the options below to cast your vote and see what others think.
An update on credit cards
Bringing consumer advice to your parish
Autumn money check-up: Ten things to review before winter
Water bills to rise again in 2027 as desalination upgrade gets under way
Death of Council Member Pat Le Masurier
Are you paying for subscriptions you don't use?