5 ms·
Alcohol is a staple loss-leader in UK supermarkets. Lose money on the alcohol, recoup it on everything people end up buying along with it.
by UVB-76 13y ago
Alcohol is a staple loss-leader in UK supermarkets.
Lose money on the alcohol, recoup it on everything people end up buying along with it.
- estebank 13y agoIs it really? I've noticed that wine and beer are more expensive than in continental Europe, but maybe it's unfair to compare against wine in France/Italy/Spain and beer in Belgium/Netherlands/Germany...
- Theodores 13y agoThe taxman takes his cut: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/rates/alcohol-duty.htm http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/rates/alcohol-duty.htm Plus there is "VAT" - 'value added tax', not that I have ever worked out what value gets added by the tax. Our friends in continental Europe have lower tax rates. Hence the discrepancy you see. The problem in the UK over recent years has been with pubs. Unless they can get some deluxe food options together then they have a tough time making a profit. The supermarkets sell alcohol far cheaper than they can, furthermore there has been a smoking ban. Consequently your dedicated alcoholic has stayed at home, with his widescreen TV and supermarket alcohol.