Although recent Walmart TV ads describe its latest price cuts, The Consumerist points out that grocery prices at Walmart have been rising in 2010.
Since February, grocery prices at Walmart have increased 2.3 percent for items in a 31-item basket of grocery items, according to a report by JPMorgan Securities. This follows a 1.9 percent increase for consumers between January and February.
See The Consumerist article “Study: Walmart Price Cuts Are Actually Price Hikes” for more information on Walmart’s price increases.
GV Rasin Bran Flakes suffer a 73% price hike.
May 2010 I purchased my last box of GV Bran Flakes for about $1.80. In June the price became $2.50; about a 38% price increase.
In June 2010 I started buying GV Rasin Bran 20oz for $1.66; I had seen a slightly higher price prior to June 2010. This was the only cereal on Walmart’s shelf for less than $2.50. The last opportunity to purchase at the $1.66 price was September 2010 as the price jumped to $2.88 in October; a 73% price increase. The GV Extra Rasin Bran 20oz is presently having a lower price of $2.50.
Walmart has a policy of only rasing prices every six months. That box of GV Extra Rasin Bran is now a bargain as it’s price lower than the standard product.
I’d guess that many cereals who’s prices were raised in June 2010 are going to go up significantly in January 2011.
Hi Clint,
Thank you for letting us know about the prices going up for cereal at Wal-Mart.
Consumers need to compare prices regularly so they can get the best deals.
Rita