Dear Editor:

Of all the grocery stores on this Island the one that simply does not live up to its name has to be "COST U LESS". There isn't a week that goes by that this store does not raise its prices a few cents here, a dollar there or more.

A bag of fish that was $10.00 is now $20.00, hamburger prices have tripled, a half gallon of milk for nearly $6.00, and the list goes on.

While shopping today I believe COST U LESS has stooped to outright gouging their customers. The Island has been out of eggs for the past week or so and COST U LESS is the first to restock but at a cost of $6.49 cents a carton! These cartons normally sell for less than $4.00. This can only be taking advantage of their position and price gouging!

As customers, do we have any protection in this business rip-off or are we at their mercy? Where are you, government? The "Cost of Living" is high enough here without having to pay $6.50 for a carton of eggs.

Jim Brittle

(Editor’s Note: There may be something about higher prices due to West Coast dock workers slowdown, and not necessarily price gouging. There is another store that is selling eggs for $7.50. I put them back and went looking for local eggs — they’re cheaper now, fresh off the farm and bigger in size — about $4.50 a dozen. Welcome to the world of supply & demand. ra)