Overview
- Reporting this week documents shrinkflation at discounters, for example a Lidl Floralys 'XXL' toilet‑paper pack that kept 200 sheets per roll but reduced sheet size so customers received less paper than in the standard pack.
- A multi‑week real‑world Lidl Plus test found only modest net savings of about €9.27 on €173.92 spent, and consumer groups warn apps routinely gather detailed personal data and nudge shoppers to buy more.
- German consumer law makes the scanned checkout price decisive so shelf labels are not binding, and customers can refuse a purchase before paying if the till price differs from the shelf price.
- Investigations and company disclosures show many major manufacturers make both brands and discounter own‑labels, and independent testing such as Stiftung Warentest finds many eigenmarken—including Lidl’s—match or beat brand quality.
- Recent retailer moves include Lidl and Aldi cutting selected baking‑ingredient prices for the season, and consumer advice across reports stresses checking the Grundpreis and verifying receipts immediately to spot hidden costs.