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Prices a barrier to ‘shop local’

Maybe we need a citizens’ boycott? Go to Kamloops – shop groceries, fill a prescription, fill up the car, do some monthly shopping.

Here we go again. How many times do we discuss gas prices?

Earlier last year we were subjected to $1.29 for six months straight – when Kamloops, for instance, was anywhere from 15 to 20 cents cheaper at times during that stretch – or how about Enderby – quite often at least 10 cents cheaper. Now we see it again. I notice it’s always Shell, Petro or Husky downtown who are first out of the gate to raise and then the rest seem to trip over each other to see who can match them first. Oh – maybe the head office was slow in telling them to match the price – hah. I find it strange that being on the Trans-Canada Highway, as is Kamloops, only 110 kilometres away, that prices are so drastically different. Don’t the same fuel trucks travel the same highway? It makes one wonder – is it greed, collusion – maybe both?

How about food prices or other retail goods? How come we can buy the same goods at Canadian Tire in Vernon cheaper than in Ssalmon Arm, but quote the price there and then get the discount here?

How about drug dispensing fees? Isn’t the price of drugs already marked up enough? Go to Kamloops and pay at least a third of the fee – something fishy?

Oh, while we’re talking prices – summer isn’t here yet – then watch us get nailed with the tourist fee. April 1 and the HST’s gone.  I’m willing to bet we’ll see at least a five per cent increase across the board.

Maybe we need a citizens’ boycott? Go to Kamloops – shop groceries, fill a prescription, fill up the car, do some monthly shopping. I’ll have a pleasant day and come out ahead financially every time.

To be fair, there are some businesses that give fair value. I support them.

I, for one, can hardly wait for Walmart and I sure hope they have gas pumps.

 

Ron Cook