It has been my experience in the lakes region (and in central Ohio) that supermarket prices depend on the day and the store. Last summer, while looking for cheap butter, I noticed that there was nearly a dollar/pound difference between the Tilton Walmart and the Gilford Walmart. Stores compete against each other in the same locale, not chain-wide. Since individual items are no longer price-stickered, all a store need do is change a single shelf tag and update their store's computer. Bingo, new pricing every day. When the new MB opens, everyone in that area will shuffle their prices to draw the most customers and maximize their profits. Any store that can't turn a profit will eventually close. In my opinion, the key to success is value for money. This includes service, selection, and quality, as well as price. That's the capitalist way. [Sorry to inject politics, but it seems to be a New Hampshire requirement.
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