We’ve seen in the news throughout the year many high profile retailers reporting a drop in footfall, which has consequences on profits. This has resulted in a number of administrations and sometimes even permanent closures. But are some retailers actually hindering their own success?
Many high street retailers have online stores for second items or products that have been returned by customers. These items are offered at a heavily reduced rate of anything from a 20 per cent up to 80 per cent discounts. Some retailers have eBay stores, but others have dedicated websites just for discounted items. So it begs the question that if you can get a similar quality item for a fraction of the price, why would you visit the high street and which stores are determining their own fate?
Retailers who have eBay stores
- Argos – sells clearance stock which is mainly brand new with a few refurbished items, but these are clearly marked.
- House of Fraser – sells discounted homeware and clothing with up to 70 per cent off the recommended retail price (RRP).
- Schuh – sells shoes at auction, starting at just 99 pence. There are some real bargains to be had if you are willing to watch an item, or you can also buy some outright. The only downside is the delivery costs £4.99, but that does cover up to ten items.
- Tesco – sells returned items, but also has some new products as well at discounted prices. The site states that all returns have been checked and repaired if needed and also re-boxed.
Retailers who have a dedicated discount website
- Marks and Spencer (M&S) – Has an online discount store run by Amazon. The website offers up to 50 per cent off clothing and homeware. As the store is run by Amazon you cannot return items in-store.
- The Body Shop – Given what products the Body Shop sells, then it is safe to say that all items are new. The discount store offers up to 75 per cent off the RRP and also offers multiple products in bundles such as three body butters for £15.
- TK Maxx – Although TK Maxx is already a discounted store, they offer even more discounts, up to 80 per cent off the RRP on clearance stock which can be found on their discounted website.
With retailers offing such discounts for items that are sometimes brand new, can you blame shoppers for choosing to save the pennies? Let’s do the maths. Would you pay full price this Christmas when you can get a similar item at up to 80 per cent less?
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