SPAR ST HELENA BAY- CATERS FOR UPPER MIDDLE CUSTOMERS, THE REST MUST TRAVEL 30KM

I'm writing to request an urgent investigation into the markup prices of products at Quick Spar in St. Helena Bay. Since moving to St. Helena Bay, I've observed a significant fluctuation in the prices of goods at Spar, ranging from R20 to R60 per item. This is especially true for in-house brands and products produced on-site. These products include, but are not limited to, everyday items. In April of last year, I purchased a Spar brand mosquito repellent balm for R27.99. Four months later, the price increased by almost 90% to R47.99. This wasn't a promotional item. Dairy products, such as cheese, cost between R20 and R25 more per kilogramme than most large franchises or supermarkets. Due to the 30-kilometre distance to the next town, residents are compelled to pay high prices for goods. I followed the complaint processes, but they fell on deaf ears. The store owner instructed me not to ask staff about product prices, which he considered to be some sort of harassment. I inquired with the management personnel, as the owner did not wish to see anyone at the time. What I discovered is that following the complaint, the same products have increased; I'm not sure why. As a regular shopper who frequents practically all food chains, I've noticed that the prices listed in every shop, on every occasion (monthly for years), differ from the prices at the till. When I present the quoted price, I usually get a negative response, not an apology. These are issues that need to be addressed. According to my knowledge, working-class consumers cannot shop at this Spar. Only self-employed and upper-middle-class consumers are able to shop here. With the exception of a handful, the bulk of residents in this community must travel 30 kilometres to locate specials. As a matter of interest, I had multiple people tell me that they had complained about this, but no one has addressed the issue. This, in my opinion, is price-couging, especially given the current egg pricing. The price of eggs at this Spar is through the roof.