Shoppers at MarketPlace yesterday were pleased to discover that the cost of many basic items have dropped by ten percent in a move the grocery chain says will help offset rising food prices.

But a manager from rival grocer Lindo's said his stores' special offers were still more than a match for the MarketPlace's initiative.

The price drop, which affects 30 items such as eggs, potatoes and some brands of sugar, flour, bread, rice, orange juice and toilet paper, in all eight branches of the store, went into effect this week. It is scheduled to last at least until October 1.

Single mother Shantae Durham said she is glad for the price drop, calling it "wonderful", following a period of food price inflation.

"The price of everything has gone up. Every single thing. It's gone from $150 to between $200 and $230 a week for four bags," she said. "Electricity is bad, but food..."

Norman Grahan also said that he has seen his grocery bill go up in the past year.

"A lot of people don't have enough to buy these things. The basic things, yes, they should drop the price," he said.

Robert Sousa also praised the move to lower the price of basic items.

"Luxury items are one thing, but everyone should get the basics. The basics should be free."

Vidya Ramcharan agreed, saying, "It's good. Its something people eat every day. It's every day food."

Along with the price drops, MarketPlace also published in yesterdays paper a list of money saving tips, suggesting that shoppers buy in bulk when it is reasonable to do so, and sticking to a shopping list.

While food prices have generally risen due to increases in the costs of fuel and electricity, some shoppers have been affected less by the increase then others.

"You'll get some people who'll say their bill's gone up and some who haven't," said Paul Hill. "Me, I haven't noticed."

While many hope that the price drop will spread to other grocery stores on the Island, Joel Duffy doubts the reductions would become universal.

"Upscale places probably won't drop their prices," Mr. Duffy said. "Places without direct competition won't."

Praise for the decrease in price on items was unanimous among the shoppers, but at least one shopper took a more sceptical approach.

"So what, they only make 200 percent profit now?" said Jeremy Roberts. "It's a business. If it makes money, then others will do it."

At competitor Lindo's, Zach Moniz, one of the managers, said his company's two stores in Devonshire and Warwick, were already offering customers a good deal. "We have about 500 items on special offers and our specials run for a month," Mr. Moniz said.

"When vendors give us savings on an item, we are well known for passing those savings on to the customer."

Mr. Moniz added that many of the Lindo's special offers — which normally entailed price cuts of some ten percent — applied to staple foods, such as rice, macaroni and tuna.

"Our record speaks for itself," Mr. Moniz said. "Generally our items are at a better price than anyone's. And it really shows here, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays."

Tredick Gorham, of Front Street grocery The Supermart, declined to comment on the MarketPlace move.