URGENT UPDATE: A new investigation by the Mail on Sunday reveals that many popular Christmas hampers are marked up by as much as 85% over their individual components. This shocking finding highlights rampant inflation in festive gifting, prompting consumer rights advocates to warn shoppers to rethink their purchases.
The investigation indicates that hampers that appear luxurious may actually be a financial trap, costing buyers nearly double for the packaging and presentation. Consumer rights expert Martyn James states, “Hamper inflation is one of the more outrageous examples of profiteering over the festive period. The best advice I can give is to assume that all hampers are a rip-off.”
Among the most egregious examples, Waitrose‘s ‘No.1 Classic Christmas Hamper’ retails for £150, while the individual items within are valued at just £80.92. This results in a staggering 85% markup. Although the hamper was recently reduced to £135, it still represents a significant overspend of £54.08 compared to buying the items separately.
Inside the Waitrose hamper, buyers find a selection that includes All Butter Aged Gouda Crispies priced at £2.21, Salted Caramel Truffles for £7.50, and a bottle of Cava Brut at £9.50. A spokesperson for Waitrose defended the price, stating, “Our hamper takes the hassle out of Christmas gifting by offering a ready-made, expertly-curated selection.”
Similarly, Marks & Spencer offers its ‘Sweet and Sparkling Treats Gift Hamper’ for £35, despite the items totaling only £17.75, exposing a markup of 97%. The hamper includes Winterberry Spritz and Cinnamon Bun Bites, which M&S claims are “thoughtfully curated” for convenience.
Even Tesco is not immune, selling its ‘Finest Christmas Hamper with Prosecco’ for £35, while the contents are only worth £26.60, resulting in a 32% markup. A Tesco spokesperson emphasized the convenience and quality offered by their hampers.
In another example, Thorntons charges £115 for an ‘Ultimate Christmas Hamper’ that contains items worth only £93, representing a 24% markup. Meanwhile, Hotel Chocolat‘s extravagant ‘Chocolate Adventurer’s Hamper’ is priced at £265, with a total value of £226.65 for its contents.
As consumers prepare for the holiday season, experts advise creating DIY hampers by purchasing items separately to avoid these excessive costs. Martyn James encourages shoppers to mix and match from various retailers and share their experiences on social media to hold companies accountable.
With Christmas just days away, shoppers are urged to act quickly and reassess their holiday spending. BUYER BEWARE: The festive season shouldn’t come with inflated prices; savvy consumers can make smarter choices to enjoy the holidays without overspending.
