The price of women’s disposable razors has been reduced by Tesco to align with the prices for men’s razors, following claims that the pricing was sexist.
All of the Big Four supermarkets – Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons – were criticised by campaigners after an investigation by The Times discovered a large variation in pricing between toiletries for males and females. It found that women have to pay 37 per cent more for their clothes and beauty products, on average, even when the products were very similar.
The disparity in pricing was due to much higher volumes of men’s razors being made and sold, Tesco explained, meaning the price was reduced compared to women’s razors.
However, The Independent also conducted its own research and found that some items cost more for men than they do for women. Skincare products which were marketed as being for men were often more expensive than the equivalent for women, or unisex versions.
Tesco said: “Following an internal review and discussions with our suppliers, we have acted on concerns about the differences in price of our male and female disposable twin-blade razors,” in a letter to Labour MP Paula Sherriff.
On Twitter, Ms Sherriff said: “Really pleased with this result. Chipping away at gender pricing bit by bit. Watch out retailers – I’m coming for you!”