Shopper Compares Egg Prices, Sparks Debate Over Supermarket Discounts
A social media post comparing identical eggs at Maxima and Rimi has triggered a discussion about the transparency and fairness of supermarket discount policies in Latvia.
A social media user has drawn attention by posting two price tag photos from Latvia's major supermarket chains, Maxima and Rimi. Both show the same brand of eggs ("Zemnieku" barn-laid, category A) in packs of 10. At Maxima, the price is €1.65 with a 30% discount; at Rimi, it is €2.39 with a 40% discount. The discrepancy has raised questions about how discount percentages and final prices are calculated.
In comments, people discuss whether the promotions are genuine. Many note that the final price matters more than the discount size. One commenter asks if the stores display the highest price applied in the last 30 days, as required by the Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC). Others mention that stores sometimes inflate original prices before discounts, misleading customers.
Some offer practical explanations – differing purchase prices, supplier agreements, and logistics costs can influence final prices. However, some shoppers reject this reasoning, arguing that promotions are becoming increasingly confusing.
PTAC states that when selling discounted products, the previous price must be the lowest price charged in the last 30 days. Consumers are advised to compare final prices, unit or per-kilogram prices, and ensure products are identical.
