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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Emma Gill & Kate Lally

Mums spot toys at Smyths and B&M for 'half the price' as in Argos

Argos has found itself in hot water with shoppers after they spotted some of its toys at up to half the price of elsewhere.

One mum took to social media to warn others of the "extortionate prices" of Barbie sets in Argos and shared a number of examples of its prices compared with others toy retailers such as Smyths and B&M.

Among them was the Barbie Fast Cast Clinic Playset with Barbie Doctor Doll, which Argos is selling for £56, having reduced it by 20% from £70. But exactly the same set is being sold by Smyths for £26.99.

READ MORE: B&M issues statement after shopper spots 'rude' Christmas decoration

The mum said: "My daughter wants all Barbie for Christmas so I have started shopping around like I always do. Now don't get me wrong, I know some places differ in price, but Argos are substantially more expensive, and not just by a few pounds!

"I'm not sure how they are getting away with it!! Here are some examples that I've made for you, there are loads more though! First picture on each is Argos, second is Smyths or B&M."

Other examples she shared were the Barbie Doll and Pet Boutique Playset With 4 Pets, on sale at £37 in Argos, yet priced at just £22.99 in Smyths, and the Barbie Sparkle Mask Day Spa Playset and Doll, priced at £28 in Argos' clearance section, yet on sale at B&M for £16.99, the MEN reports.

Her post, on the Reduce Your Supermarket Spend Facebook page, was flooded with comments from other mums, with some saying they'd also noticed the huge price differences.

Another example shared by the mum showing a Barbie set priced at £28 in Argos' clearance section, left, yet on sale at B&M for £16.99, right (Facebook/Argos/B&M)

One mum said: "I noticed this too! Aeroplane is only £60 In Smyths", while sharing a photo of the same Barbie Dream Plane Transforming Playset being sold by Argos for £105. Others suggested it was common practice, by Argos and other retailers, ahead of three for two toy offers or other sales.

An Argos spokesperson told the MEN: "We’re committed to offering customers great choice and value. I’ve seen the customer comment and the claims made about promotional pricing is simply incorrect"

"Our promotional pricing is not misleading as our promotions are in line with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) pricing and promotions guidelines."

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