Boohoo launches investigation after same clothing sold for different prices across brands

Boohoo launches investigation after same clothing sold for different prices across brands (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)Boohoo launches investigation after same clothing sold for different prices across brands (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Boohoo launches investigation after same clothing sold for different prices across brands (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Online fashion retailer Boohoo has launched an internal investigation, after it came to light that the same items of clothing were being sold for different prices across its labels.

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The price disparities identified include a coat which was sold at two different shops, both owned by Boohoo, with a £34 price difference.

Significant differences in price

The BBC found that the same coat was being sold at Dorothy Perkins and Coast at significantly different prices.

They also found that the care labels inside the coat were the same, although the Dorothy Perkins branding had been cut from the bottom of the coat being sold in Coast.

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Another coat, originally sold online for £89 at Oasis, was displayed on the Dorothy Perkins website for £65.

And the same style coat in a different colour appeared on sale at both the Warehouse and Coasts website, for £30 and £66.75 respectively.

The online retailer has since changed the prices of all the items highlighted by the BBC.

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In a statement, the company said: "All Boohoo group brands work independently, and so this miscommunication was not intentional as teams are not privy to what's being bought and sold across the other group brands," a spokeswoman for Boohoo said.

"Our internal investigation continues and we will be re-pricing all the crossover stock to be aligned."

Boohoo owns a number of high street brands including Karen Millen, Wallis and Burton, as well as online brands like Pretty Little Thing.

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Working conditions scandal

The firm recently slashed its supplier network, severing ties with 400 firms, due to ongoing allegations of poor working conditions for staff in factories where the clothes are produced.

The review of their suppliers came after reports last year that workers employed in UK factories supplying the brand were being paid as little as £3.50 per hour, and working in conditions which were not covid-safe.

As an online retailer Boohoo has seen profits surge during the pandemic, despite widely-reported supply-chain issues.

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