Tag: shopping

Save the Date: Amazon Prime Day returns for 10th year on 16 & 17th July

The two-day event includes great savings from popular brands such as Elemis, ghd, Ninja, and Samsung, and Amazon’s lowest prices of the year so far on select products from Barbie, L’Oréal, Shark, and more

Prime members can enjoy fast, free delivery and access to exclusive deals across all categories, with new deals dropping throughout the event 

Visit www.amazon.co.uk/primeday to shop early deals and make the most of Prime Day savings now 

Amazon has announced that customers can expect big savings this summer, as the countdown to the 10th Prime Day begins. From 00:00 on 16th July until 23:59 on 17th July, Prime members will get exclusive access to hundreds of thousands of deals on a wide selection of popular brands across all categories including electronics, homeware, fashion and beauty. 

The shopping event will offer Prime members deals from top brands like Bose, Fitbit, Oral-B and Sony, as well as great savings from small businesses across the UK. New deals will drop throughout the event, with fast, free delivery available to all Prime members.

“The countdown to the 10th Prime Day in the UK starts now, and we have a huge selection of deals to come,” said John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager of Amazon. 

“We work really hard to deliver great products at the best prices for customers during Prime Day and throughout the year, from the biggest brands to the 100,000 small British businesses that sell on Amazon. With even faster deliveries and so many shopping, saving and entertainment benefits available, there has never been a better time to be a Prime member. Roll on Prime Day!”

Early Deals, Shop Now

Prime members don’t have to wait until Prime Day to save as early access to deals and exclusive savings starts now. Last year Prime members worldwide saved over $2.5 billion during Prime Day, and this year customers can browse personalised recommendations including “Deals you might like”, “Deals for you”, and “Deals related to items you saved,” and discover even more selection with curated collections such as Everyday Essentials, Top Brands, and Trending Deals.

Early discounts include:

  • Amazon Devices: Upgrade your home security systems with up to 50% off select Ring cameras and doorbells, including Indoor Camera (2nd Gen), Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) and Stick Up Cam starting on July 10th. Plus save 55% on the popular Ring Intercom and up to 65% off Blink cameras including Blink Outdoor 3-Cam and Blink Mini 2-Cameras. Get more deals on 12 July and save up to 45% on Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED series smart TV’s.
  • Amazon Music: Prime members who haven’t tried Amazon Music Unlimited can get five months free—the best deal ever from Amazon Music for Prime Day—in celebration of Amazon Music’s 10-year anniversary. Amazon Music Unlimited includes access to more than 100 million songs and top podcasts ad-free, on-demand, and in high-quality streaming audio.
  • Audible – New Audible customers can get 3 months membership free and enjoy unlimited listening to thousands of select Audible Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks. Offer available from 24 June to 31July 23:59. Terms Apply.
  • Gaming: To celebrate the lead-up to Prime Day from 24 June until 16 July, Prime members can claim an assortment of 15 popular and classic PC games at no additional cost, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, STAR WARS™ Knights of the Old Republic™ II: The Sith Lords, Hitman Absolution and more. 

Get Ready for Prime Day

Customers can join Prime or start a free trial at amazon.co.uk/primeday to take part in Prime Day, and enjoy member benefits throughout the year. Some of the ways that members can prepare and make the most out of Prime Day include:

  • Get deal notifications from Alexa: Prime members never have to worry about missing a deal thanks to Alexa. Prime members can ask Alexa for deal notifications on products added to their Wish List, Cart, or Save for Later. To get started, just ask, “Alexa, add [product name] to my cart,” and then ask Alexa to notify you about the deal when it’s live.
  • Set up deal notifications that are tailored to you: Keep your eyes on hot trending items with deal notifications. Prime members can set up personalized deal notifications to be alerted when their recent searches and product views have deals. To start receiving these alerts in time for Prime Day, visit the Prime Day event page on the Amazon Shopping app to create the deal alerts. 
  • Enjoy convenient delivery options: Make life easier with fast delivery on millions of items included with a Prime membership and choose the delivery option that best suits your need during Prime Day. Prime members in the UK receive unlimited fast, free One-Day Delivery on millions of items across all categories, with Same-Day Delivery available on over a million items in Greater London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, and more (minimum order values apply). You can also select free delivery to Amazon Lockers or Counters, or choose a delivery day preference with Amazon Day.

Discover Prime Day Deals Worldwide

Prime Day will kick off on 16th July in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S., and the UK. Prime members in India can shop on Prime Day later this summer.

Adidas to open first UK pulse store at Fort Kinnaird this Friday

Popular sports brand, adidas, is set to open its doors at Fort Kinnaird this Friday (28th June).

The new 11,000 sq ft store, located near to TK Maxx, Hotel Chocolate and Pandora, is the brand’s first ‘The Pulse’ store in the UK, giving visitors the chance to shop a broad range of adidas’ most popular products.

This includes everything from trainers and gym wear to running gear and accessories. The new Pulse store reflects commercial demand and consumer need. From uplifting design treatments to digital content, Pulse sets a new benchmark across the adidas retail store landscape without compromising on the well sought after product our consumers love.

The grand opening of our new store promises to be a memorable experience, with a lively atmosphere featuring a DJ to entertain shoppers. Consumers can enjoy branded snacks and receive branded bags upon purchase while having the chance to win exciting prizes and gift vouchers.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “It’s incredibly exciting that adidas has chosen Fort Kinnaird as the first location in the UK to open its new Pulse store.

“It’s no secret how popular the brand is and we have no doubt the store will prove to be successful with our shoppers – whether they’re looking for a pair of new trainers or getting some of the latest gym wear.

“It’s a really exciting time for us, with Mango also opening recently, our different options for fashion are really growing.”

adidas will join Next, Pandora, H&M and JD Sports already based at the centre. To plan your day out and find the full list of stores and restaurants at Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com  

Royal Highland Show to display over 800 exhibitors

The Royal Highland Show, running from June 20th – 23rd 2024, promises to offer an unforgettable experience with a wide array of trade stands featuring everything from artisanal crafts to cooking demonstrations and agricultural machinery. With over 800 exhibitors spread across the 110 acre site, it is set to surprise and delight show-goers with this year’s theme being ‘acres of epicness’.

For the foodies: 

Stuffed full of food and drink, the show offers boundless opportunities to sample Scotland’s finest produce. There are also cookery demos on offer in the Food for Thought Cookery Theatre, with some of the country’s top chefs including Head Chef at The Globe Inn, Fraser Cameron, FutureChef Winner, Phoebe Lawson, and Head Chef at Benugo, Emma Clark-Szabo, to name a few. There will also be a huge choice of food vendors serving everything from haggis neeps and tatties to freshly prepared fish and chips and from lobster rolls to Greek gyros. 

With Scottish staples such as Mrs Tilly’s, Mackies of Scotland, Innis and Gunn and Highland Park, there are options for those with a sweet tooth or looking for a tipple to tide them over. The world-renowned Johnnie Walker whisky will have a pop-up bar showcasing their vintage truck, ensuring the taste of Scotland’s quintessential whisky is shared with visitors. There will also be a Taproom Bar from Innis & Gunn.  

For the shopaholic: 

For the avid shoppers, a vast range of retail opportunities await, spread across numerous shopping villages, offering clothing, shoes, crafts, gifts, pet supplies, art, toys and a range of premium shopping outlets which can be found at the Countryside Village. Event attendees also might be surprised to find the Renewable Village, offering a variety of sustainable products and services including wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, tidal, biomass companies and more.  

This year the Home and Gift Hall has had a layout revamp and now includes the Scottish Handcrafts Championships. There will be a number of notable clothing retailers available such as Beaumont & Bear, Elm of Burford and Lanx Shoes. Hoggs of Fife, known for its hand welted country footwear, will also be offering a 20% discount on all items for RHASS members.  

For music lovers: 

For those wearing their dancing shoes, the West Stage line-up is not to be missed. Performances to suit all music tastes from folk rock and swing to reggae and opera will take place in addition to daily ceilidh sessions.  

Additionally, tickets are available to purchase for the Royal Highland Hoolie presented with Farmer’s Bash which is back with eight live folk and country music acts performing on the evenings of Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June. From viral sensation Nathan Evans, Scottish folk pioneers Tide Lines and the eclectic sounds of the Peatbog Faeries, the diverse range of sounds offers a little bit of something for everyone. 

For families:

Experience a world of fun and creativity at the Royal Highland Show, where kids go free! Explore and discover activities linked to food, farming and the working countryside under one roof at the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Discovery Centre. Circa Alba’s exciting mix of movement and circus skills, including juggling, parkour, capoeira, along with professional face painting and Annie the alpaca and her family from the Alpacas Trekking Centre, will let little imaginations soar. Dive into abstract art where kids can engage in animal-themed arts and crafts, creating personalised keepsakes to take home.  

For the farmers: 

The Royal Highland show offers farmers the chance to see some of the best livestock and machinery available up close and personal! As well as the latest labour, time and money-saving gadgets being on display at the RHASS Technical Innovation Awards.

The Scottish Association of Young Farmers (SAYFC) will also be present throughout the show, with visitors encouraged to stop by and experience what it means to be part of Scotland’s largest rural youth movement.

David Tennant, Head of Royal Highland Show, said: “This year’s Royal Highland Show is bigger and better than ever and it’s all thanks to the wide variety of exhibitors. The diverse array of trade stands is a true celebration of everything Scotland has to offer in agricultural heritage, artisan crafts and rural communities.

“We are on track for a sold-out show, so if you’d like to experience a mix of entertainment, sample Scotland’s wonderful larder and see the very best in livestock, from the traditional to the unexpected, it’s worth purchasing your tickets now. It’s not to be missed!”  

Explore a wide variety of products and services at the Royal Highland Show. Mark your calendars for June 20-23, with limited tickets available please visit https://www.royalhighlandshow.org/ to book your spot. 

Programmes for the show can be purchased from the Official Royal Highland Show Merchandise Shop opposite the Main Ring clock tower or from roving sellers throughout the site.

Please drink responsibly – UK Chief Medical Officers recommend men do not regularly exceed 3-4 units daily and women, 2-3 units daily.

For more information please visit www.Drinkaware.co.uk

Mango opens at Fort Kinnaird

Fort Kinnaird confirms popular fashion brand, Mango, has opened at the centre

Mango, one of Europe’s leading fashion groups, continues its expansion and brand consolidation plan in the UK with a new store at Fort Kinnaird. The new 5,600 sq ft store will offer Mango’s women’s line exclusively, including accessories and footwear.   

 The fit out is based on a Mediterranean-inspired concept, New Med, which showcases the brand’s spirit and freshness. Sustainability and architectural integration are key in the new design, which conceives the Mango store as a Mediterranean home with different rooms with a predominance of warm tones and neutral colours, combined with traditional, handcrafted, sustainable, and natural materials.

Mango is a global company with design and creativity at the centre of its offering. The brand offers a unique design proposal that incorporates Mediterranean style and culture.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re really excited to bring Mango to Fort Kinnaird. As a leading fashion brand for style-conscious shoppers, we know just how popular it will be with visitors looking to update their wardrobe for the summer season.”

To plan your day out and find the full list of stores and restaurants at Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com

‘Poundland Perks’ rewards app launches in all 62 Scotland stores

It’s ‘app-y hour’ all day long at Poundland as shoppers at its 62 stores in Scotland are given access to the ‘Poundland Perks’ app for the first time.

Poundland Perks is Poundland’s pilot rewards app that has been on trial in 43 stores on the Isle of Wight and in Northern Ireland and now is available across Scotland.

To bring the functionality to Scottish shoppers, Poundland has invested £13m in the roll-out of state-of-the-art tills that enable customers to use the app on the phone when purchasing their favourite items.

The app can be used by customers to earn, save and play.

Customers can earn points for every purchase in the store, use those points to get reward vouchers that save them even more, and also play on the app to earn prizes through ‘spin to wins-day’.

To celebrate the launch, Poundland’s mascot, Poundhound, ambled over to Glasgow’s Argyle Street store to give the app his paw print of approval — all while donning a stylish custom kilt and flanked by a rousing bagpiper.

With ‘Poundland Perks’, Scotland shoppers can now get their hands on offers that deliver up even better value – up to 25 per cent – off favourites such as Haribo Starmix, Pringles and Irn Bru, items that the discounter already sells at market-leading prices. 

Also included in the rewards scheme at launch are offers for Huggies Wipes, Colgate Triple Action, Zoflora and Bakers Sizzlers Dog Treats Bacon.

The same offers are available on Poundland Perks in existing pilot stores in Northern Ireland and on the Isle of Wight.

Poundland’s Director of Digital, Tom Hill, and Head of Digital Loyalty and Engagement, Emma Collins, stopped by the Argyle Street store to mingle with customers who were downloading the app for the first time.

Poundland Perks Launch

Tom said: “Poundland Perks allows us to offer shoppers the chance to save, earn and play through their smartphone, making shopping with us even more fun.

“We’re creating an app that’s convenient and easy for people to use in store, with reward vouchers that help customers save even more.

“We know from our experience in Northern Ireland just how popular Poundland Perks has been and it’s been brilliant to see the reaction here today in Glasgow.”

To download the Poundland app, search in the Google or Apple play stores for Poundland Perks.

Tomorrow: Lidl launches new £70 Beauty Box for just £2

  • With beauty subscriptions more popular than ever, Lidl has announced its very own Lidl Beauty Box, worth over £70
  • Each glow-rious box is filled to the brim with over 20 coveted beauty products that rival well-known luxury brands
  • The Lidl Beauty Box, featuring Cien, will be available to purchase for £2 from 9th May 2024 via www.lidlbeautybox.co.uk – but be quick! 
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Lidl has just dropped the latest must-have in beauty; a brand-new beauty box set to rival the likes of Liberty and Glossybox, yet at a fraction of the price. For just £2*, beauty buffs can get their hands on the Lidl Beauty Box worth over £70 – that’s beauty without the beastly price tag! 

Launching on a trial basis, beauty aficionados can expect a carefully curated collection of on-trend wellness treasures from Lidl. The box includes a range of over 20 full size products across skincare, haircare and more, all wrapped in a beautifully designed floral-print gift package and delivered straight to beauty aficionado’s front doors. 

As part of the premium selection inside the box, skincare lovers can level up their routine with beauty must-haves Cien Myramaze Premium Face Day Cream (50ml), Cien Micellar Cleansing Milk (250ml) andCien Facial Scrub (150ml). For days that require some extra TLC, theCien Tissue Face Masks (17ml) and Livarno Quartz Facial Roller allow unboxers to lean into the latest craze to depuff the skin and improve blood flow to the face**. 

It doesn’t stop at skincare – the Lidl Beauty Box also includes a range of irresistible fragrances, recently recommended by the likes of Adele, Shakira and Chris Pratt***. From Suddenly Femelle Perfume (75ml), to Eau de Parfum for Men – Deep (75ml), shoppers will look and smell scent-sational.

Whether shoppers are seeking wellness treasures that rival high-end brands such as The Luxury Collection Black Diffuser in Leather & Cedar (100ml), or simply seek a great deal on beauty essentials, the Lidl Beauty Boxis the answer to premium products without the hefty price tag! 

Shoppers will need to be quick to get their very own Lidl Beauty Box featuring Cien for just £2*. Purchasing will go live via www.lidlbeautybox.co.uk from 10.00AM 9th May, launching as a one-off box as part of a trial service.

All of Lidl GB own brand cosmetic products listed in stores (and in Lidl’s Beauty Box) are approved under the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny programme.

PRODUCT NAMEPRODUCT PRICE
Cien Myramaze Premium Face Day Cream (50ml)£7.49
Cien Myramaze Premium Face Night Cream (50ml)£7.49
Cien Micellar Cleansing Milk (250ml)£1.55
Cien Facial Scrub (150ml)£1.09
Cien Tissue Face Mask (17ml) x2£0.99
Cien Premium Bath & Shower Gel (500ml)£1.49
Cien Premium Handwash (500ml)£1.35
Cien Luxury Hand Lotion (250ml)£1.99
Suddenly Perfumes (75ml) x2£5.65
G.Bellini Fragrances (75ml) x2£5.65
Cien Australian Style Shampoo (300ml)£1.49
Cien Australian Style Conditioner (300ml)£1.49
Cien Body Lotion (500ml)£1.19
Facial Cleansing Brush£9.99
Livarno Quartz Facial Roller or Massage Stone£3.99
The Luxury Collection Black Reed Diffuser (100ml)£3.39
The Luxury Collection White Reed Diffuser (100ml)£3.39
Vintage Florals Candle (200g)£3.49

Drumming up business at new Princes Street store

UNIQLO’s first Scottish store is open

Taiko Drummers marked the opening of the global apparel retailer’s store on Princes Street yesterday.

UNIQLO boasts a spacious retail space spanning approximately 1,430 sq meters across two floors featuring the full collection of LifeWear for men, women, kids and babies.

Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer at UNIQLO U.K, Erhan Demir, UNIQLO Edinburgh General Manager, cut the ribbon to UNIQLO’s first Scottish store with special guests from the Japanese Consulate, Mr Tadashi Fujiwara and Ms Minori Ishii, and UNIQLO People Campaign cast member, Aisha Fatunmbi Randall, who has been at the forefront of the restoration of Leith Theatre in her role as Marketing and Digital Coordinator.

To mark the grand opening, UNIQLO Edinburgh is hosting special promotions and events, offering customers the chance to discover the latest styles and enjoy exclusive offers.

UNIQLO app customers will be in with the chance of winning a trip to Tokyo, by scanning the app with any purchase during opening weekend to be entered into the draw.

There will be limited price promotions exclusive to the Princes Street store on items such as Ultra Light Down, Extra Fine Merino sweaters, pleated wide pants and selected innerwear for both men and women.

UNIQLO currently has 19 stores in the U.K. The new Edinburgh Princes Street store opens hot on the heels of One Oxford Street in London on 18th April 2024.

The UNIQLO Edinburgh store operates during regular business hours, providing shoppers with ample opportunities to experience the brand’s renowned offerings. Whether seeking timeless classics or contemporary trends, UNIQLO invites the Edinburgh community to visit its newest location.

For more information about the new store, please visit:

 https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/content/edinburgh.html

UNIQLO opens today on Princes Street

UNIQLO is preparing to open the doors to its first and highly anticipated Scottish store in Edinburgh today.

Welcoming the city’s shoppers to the Princes Street store, the opening is set to regenerate the capital’s shopping scene. Boasting a spacious retail space spanning approximately 1,400 sq meters across two floors, the first Scottish store showcases the full collection of LifeWear for men, women, kids and babies. 

Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer at UNIQLO U.K said: “We are delighted to bring UNIQLO to the thriving city of Edinburgh.

“Our brand is dedicated to providing innovative and high-quality clothing that caters to the needs and preferences of diverse lifestyles. With our presence in Edinburgh, we aim to become an integral part of the local community, offering a unique shopping experience that blends style, comfort and affordability.” 

Housed in the iconic, modernist purpose-built retail store, designed by Johnson-Marshall and Partners in 1965, the UNIQLO Princes Street store features a wide range of popular collections.

Customers will be able to explore linen, BLOCKTECH, the brand’s smart range of water resistant and windproof items, as well as the high-performing AIRism collection, renowned for its lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that adapt seamlessly to diverse climates.

UNIQLO SS24 collection available in Princes Street store from 25th April.

Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said: “It’s fantastic news that UNIQLO, a global brand and one of Japan’s foremost casual wear retailers, has chosen Princes Street here in the Capital as the location for their flagship Scottish store.

“This is testament to the pull of our city to major international companies and I’m really looking forward to seeing the store open its doors. I’m encouraged to hear that UNIQLO will be partnering with local charity, Social Bite, working towards ending homelessness.

“Edinburgh is a city that is truly open for business and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Princes Street and beyond. I’m sure UNIQLO will make their mark here and I wish them every success.” 

In-store Experience

The Japanese retailer’s first Scottish store focuses on experience-led features for customers including; RE.UNIQLO Studio and an in-store Japanese tearoom.

Following the success of UNIQLO UK’s first in-store café, which opened last year in the Covent Garden store, the Princes Street store will proudly unveil the brand’s second UK in-store café. Developed in partnership with Japanese tearoom, Katsute100, the space will offer customers Japanese inspired refreshments on the first floor, overlooking a picturesque view of Princes Street Gardens and the spectacular Edinburgh Castle.

Located next to the cafe is the RE.UNIQLO Studio where customers can recycle, repair or remake their favourite UNIQLO items so they can keep wearing and loving them for longer. In partnership with Scotland’s other national drink, IRN-BRU, customers can add BRU-themed embroidery pieces to their UNIQLO items for a limited time only. This is an exclusive to the Edinburgh RE.UNIQLO counter until the end of May 2024.

Limited edition designs in partnership with IRN-BRU, available for embroidery in the RE.UNIQLO Studio until the end of May.

Local partners

UNIQLO will champion local craftsmanship in the Princes Street store, featuring exclusive collaborations with Tom Fraser, Principal of the Chippendale School of Furniture and local artist Arran Rahimian, Tom’s hand-crafted benches will sit across the store’s interior, while Arran’s bespoke artworks will be found in the fitting rooms and adorned upon exclusive goody bags that will be distributed during the launch day festivities.

Other local partnerships that will be featured within the new UNIQLO store include an instore library with a curated collection of books provided by Golden Hare Books, giving customers an opportunity to read while in-store. Botanical studio, PYRUS has also lent its expertise, dressing the store with beautiful floral arrangements inspired by Edinburgh’s natural landscape, adding a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere upon entry to the store.

Curated collection of books provided by Golden Hare Books

Additionally, UNIQLO will partner with local charity Social Bite to support its mission to end homelessness. As part of this partnership UNIQLO is working with Social Bite to develop recruitment pathways by creating in-store job opportunities for the people the charity supports. Edinburgh staff will be volunteering with Social Bite and have provided clothing donations.

Opening Day Offers and Events

To commemorate the grand opening, UNIQLO Edinburgh is hosting special promotions and events, offering customers the chance to discover the latest styles and enjoy exclusive offers.

The first 100 customers through the door will receive a goody bag while UNIQLO app customers will be in with the chance of winning a trip to Tokyo, by scanning the app with any purchase during opening weekend to be entered into the draw. There will be limited price promotions exclusive to the Princes Street store on items such as Ultra Light Down, Extra Fine Merino sweaters, pleated wide pants and selected innerwear for both men and women.

Fans are invited to share their excitement across social channels using #UniqloEdinburgh, when they spot the activity including the UNIQLO branded Edinburgh Trams in the wake of the opening.

UNIQLO currently has 19 stores in the U.K. The new Edinburgh Princes Street store opens hot on the heels of One Oxford Street in London on 18th April 2024.

The UNIQLO Edinburgh store operates during regular business hours, providing shoppers with ample opportunities to experience the brand’s renowned offerings. Whether seeking timeless classics or contemporary trends, UNIQLO invites the Edinburgh community to visit its newest location.

For more information about the new store, please visit:

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/content/edinburgh.html

New Home Bargains store to open at Fort Kinnaird

Fort Kinnaird has announced that a brand new Home Bargains store is set to join the centre later this year.

The variety store chain will bring its wide selection of discounted items and brands to the centre, including household goods, food, clothing and toys.

The popular chain will be opening its new 18,500 sq ft space next to Superdrug.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re really pleased that Home Bargains has chosen Fort Kinnaird as the location of its next store opening.

“We know the retailer is a firm family favourite with so many staples at an affordable price and I’m sure it’ll prove popular with our shoppers.”   

Home Bargains will join a range of other retailers at Fort Kinnaird, including M&S, NEXT and JD Sports.

For more information and to plan your day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

New laws to be introduced to ‘force businesses to be upfront with customers’

  • Fake reviews will be added to banned practices
  • Unavoidable hidden fees cost consumers £2.2 billion every year

Fake reviews, shop labelling and hidden fees that make shopping more difficult and expensive for consumers will all be targeted head on to clamp down on unfair trading practices.

Following a consultation into consumer transparency and as part of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill (DMCC), the Department for Business and Trade will officially add fake reviews to a list of banned business practices, outlaw dripped fees that are unavoidable for consumers and ensure that businesses provide clearer labelling for prices on supermarket shelves.

These measures will be legislated for as part of the DMCC Bill as it progresses through Parliament.

Sneaky hidden fees, or dripped prices that are unavoidable will be banned. Drip pricing occurs when consumers are shown an initial price for a good or service while additional fees are revealed (or “dripped”) later in the checkout process.

Research suggests it is widespread and occurs in more than half of providers in the entertainment (54 percent) and hospitality (56 percent) industry, and almost three quarters across transport and communication (72 percent) sectors.

Every year, unavoidable fees cost consumers £2.2 billion, which is why these laws are being designed to ensure online shoppers have a clear idea of what they are spending upfront, to inform them as much as possible and as soon as possible before making purchases.

To make it easier for consumers to compare products and services, fees that are mandatory must be included in the headline price or at the start of the shopping process – these include booking fees for cinemas and train tickets.

Optional fees such as airline seat and luggage upgrades for flights will not be included in these measures.

Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business Kevin Hollinrake said: “From supermarket shelves to digital baskets – modern day shopping provides customers with more choice than ever before. But with that, comes the increased risk of confusion, scams and traps that can easily cost the public more than they had planned.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the clear steps we’re taking as a government to ensure customers can compare purchases with ease, aren’t duped by fake reviews, and have the sting of hidden fees taken away.”

Reviews were found to be used by 90% of consumers and contributed to the £224 billion spent in online retail markets in 2022, which is why this government is committed to ensuring that the information available online is accurate and fair.

Working with the Competition and Market’s Authority, new guidance will be created in the coming months to tackle fake reviews which will be added to the list of banned practices, with website hosts held accountable for reviews on their pages.

The Price Marking Order (PMO), a piece of Retained EU Law, will also be reformed now ]we have taken back control of our laws’.

The PMO requires traders to display the final selling price and, where appropriate the final unit price (e.g., price per litre/kilogram) of products in a clear way. The EU’s PMO laws were last updated 20 years ago and no longer reflect modern shopping habits.

We will be working with stakeholders and businesses to create new, simpler and clearer guidance for pricing labels that works best for British businesses and improves the shopping experiences for UK customers. This is expected to be issued in the spring.

Our proposed changes will ensure unit pricing is consistently applied, including to promotions and special offers, helping consumers compare products easily and identify what items represent the best value to them.

Small shops that are currently exempt from the PMO will continue to be exempt from those specific measures.

Graham Wynn, Assistant Director, British Retail Consortium said: “The BRC looks forward to continuing to work with officials as practical detailed implementation plans are developed. We are committed to ensuring information given to consumers is clear and they are not misled in any way.“

The UK Government will also be making provision for the PMO in relation to the Deposit Return Scheme so the cost of the deposit is displayed separately on price labels.

In addition to fake reviews and hidden fees, the DMCC Bill will also look at other consumer issues including subscription traps, and will provide the CMA with stronger tools to investigate competition problems and take faster, more effective action, including where companies collude to bump-up prices at the expense of UK consumers.