Nottingham-based Boots is changing the prices of two of its own brand products after campaigners claimed the company was charging more for items marketed to women than similar products sold to men.
An online petition had put pressure on the firm by claiming the pricing was sexist, listing examples of £2.29 for eight women’s razors, and £1.49 for a pack of 10 for men.
The creator of the petition wrote: “So-called ‘women’s products’ are more expensive – from razors to moisturising creams.
“Women already buy things that men don’t have to buy, like make up, hair products and tampons which are taxed as luxuries, plus we earn less than men on average across our lifetimes.”
In its response, Boots, which has its UK headquarters in Lenton, denied it operated a pricing system which discriminates against women.
A company spokesman said in a statement: “We were surprised and disappointed to see recent examples in the press that did not reflect our own standards.
“We immediately conducted a review on all Boots own brand and proprietary ranges to better understand the cited examples.
“This review has reassured us that for Boots own brands the two reported examples, Boots disposable razors and Botanics eye roll on, are indeed exceptional cases which do not completely meet our principles and we are taking action to correct these prices.”
Example links on the petition website show Boots is now charging £1.15 for the pack of eight disposable women’s razors, instead of £2.29.
