Price Comparison App Launched For Jersey

Islanders will be able to easily shop around for the most affordable groceries thanks to a new app from the Jersey Consumer Council.

The app lets you compare the prices of dozens of essential purchases across the main six supermarkets in the island.

Consumer Council members have been recording prices at Alliance, the Co-op, Iceland, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons and Waitrose over recent months so they can be compared to give shoppers the best deal.

PriceComparison.je lets you see the cost of groceries from your regular supermarket against its competitors.

Initially, household staples such as bread, eggs, and toilet rolls have been included, but the group's Chairman, Carl Walker, hopes the range of products will expand over time:

"I think this has the potential to be really big. At the moment because of the resources that we have and the volunteer council members, we're limited to around 40 items a week. 

"However, we've spoken to the government - they're keen to see this grow, we're keen to grow it. So at some point in the hopefully not-too-distant future, we'd like this to become the main price comparison service for Jersey.

Jersey Consumer Council Chairman, Carl Walker, in the Channel 103 studio earlier this year

"If that means a slight change in direction for the Jersey Consumer Council, then so be it - as long as we're offering a service that is beneficial and useful for consumers, then that's what we'll do."

Mr Walker tells Channel 103 that he'd like to see the app offer more than just grocery shopping, with prices on everything from white goods and electricals through to building materials and fitted kitchens all comparable between Jersey retailers and suppliers.

The app can be downloaded for iPhone, Android, or the information available at PriceComparison.je for islanders without smartphones.