I WAS most interested in your article ''Paying the price at speciality shops'' (Sunday Money, May 9) regarding comparative prices at various retail grocery chains.
The findings are hardly surprising, and reinforce the belief that the great Hongkong public is constantly being exploited by companies such as these; $16.50 for less than a litre of milk that turns to yoghurt two days before its sell-by date seems to be acceptable these days.
However, it is a pity your survey didn't extend a little further into the retail market place to expose a few more incidents of profiteering.
While browsing through Marks and Spencer, my wife was looking at a pair of legging-type trousers when she saw the UK price label, inadvertently left on the garment by a shop assistant in a hurry.
The price, GBP14.99; the Hongkong price, $250. Bearing in mind that the UK price includes 17.5 per cent value added tax (VAT) this makes the equivalent price in dollars about $156 at today's rates.
Of course, the case for high rents and freight charges will no doubt be made, but the UK store would not exactly be giving their products away at break-even either.
