What's happened
Consumer group Which? accuses Tesco and Sainsbury's of inflating regular prices to make loyalty card discounts appear more attractive.
Why it matters
The investigation raises concerns about the transparency and fairness of loyalty card schemes, potentially impacting consumer trust and shopping habits.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights the supermarkets' response, emphasizing the impact of inflation on prices, while The Times and BBC News focus on the watchdog's accusations and the potential consequences for consumers.
How we got here
The investigation follows an increasing use of loyalty card schemes across supermarkets, with concerns about the accuracy of regular prices and the fairness of member-only promotions.
More on these topics
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Tesco plc, trading as Tesco, is a British multinational groceries and general merchandise retailer with headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom.
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J Sainsbury plc trading as Sainsbury's is the second largest chain of supermarkets in the United Kingdom, with a 16.0% share of the supermarket sector.
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Nectar is a loyalty card scheme in the United Kingdom, run by Nectar 360 Ltd. The scheme is the largest in the United Kingdom, and comprises a number of partner companies including Sainsbury's, Esso and eBay.