EU survey shows price differences in cosmetics, clothing
20 July 2009
The European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) has published a major survey comparing prices of clothing and cosmetics products across the EU.
The survey shows that shopping for this range of products in some countries is clearly cheaper than in others.
While Ireland is slightly more expensive than the European average, prices here are far cheaper than the Scandinavian countries.
Portugal offers the best value for consumers. Prices in the New Member States such as Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia or Estonia varied only slightly from those in Ireland.
Since consumer spending power in these countries is far lower than in Ireland (with consumers there having a much lower income per capita) this means that these products in real terms are far more expensive for consumers there than in Ireland.
The ECC-Net survey looked at common clothing items from Zara, H&M and C&A, and cosmetic products from Body Shop. It compared prices of three items for women and two items for men from each company.
Portugal represents good value
For these products, shopping in Portugal is cheaper than the European average. Jeans from H&M or Zara are, for example, on average €10 cheaper in Portugal than in Ireland and several other European countries including Finland, Italy, Austria, or Luxemburg.
The price of cosmetic products in Portugal is on average €3 lower than in other countries.
Scandinavia expensive
Scandinavian countries (Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden) appeared to be more expensive than the rest of Europe.
In Sweden, however, the H&M's prices were below the average and Body Shop was more expensive than the average in other countries.
Price differences between retail chains
Prices of H&M textile products in Sweden are relatively low. On the other hand, the H&M prices in neighbouring countries such as Norway, are well above the European price level.
In Slovakia, the price of C&A Jeans was significantly higher (€43) than for instance in Austria, where the cost of the same product is €29. Overall the price level of C&A in Slovakia is above the European average.
Body Shop and Zara
Most of the Body Shop cosmetic products were on average €2 to €3 more expensive in Ireland, Luxemburg, Belgium and Austria than Germany.
The survey found that varying prices in participating countries do not in all cases mean that one country is more expensive than the other.
For example the selected men's range jeans in Zara outlets in Ireland are more expensive than in UK but other Zara items such as for instance blazer in women's range are cheaper in Ireland than the same product in UK.
It shows that there are opportunities for consumers shopping across borders but the price differences for specific products are not always representative for the market in general.
Non euro countries
In the countries outside Euro zone price differences are more significant than in countries with Euro.
In Hungary, Czech Republic, Denmark, Norway and Britain, prices differ more from the average-prices in Europe than the prices within the Euro zone (except Portugal).
The survey also shows that prices in the new Member States are the same or even higher than the European average.
Contrary to some expectations, consumers in these countries pay on average the same or even higher cost for the same product (within the selected range of goods) despite significantly lower income per capita.
Report's conclusions
The survey clearly shows price differences between Member States that are likely to remain in the near future.
It says shopping around still pays dividends, therefore consumers should feel free to explore the opportunities that the internal market offers.
With the growth of eCommerce and the development of Europe-wide consumer legislation,n it is now easier than ever to compare prices across the EU and avail of the best bargains with confidence.
The European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) provides consumers with information and direct help in cross-border problems.
The price comparisons were made in 27 countries, and the project was led by ECC Luxemburg in cooperation with ECC Ireland and ECC Austria in May 2009.
Ann Neville, manager of the European Consumer Centre in Ireland, said: "The survey shows that Ireland has improved its competitiveness in terms of clothing and cosmetics, especially in relation to the UK. It also indicates that shopping around will always get you cheaper prices."
Learn more
Find out how ECC Ireland offers advice on consumer rights when buying goods or services in another European country