It's that time of year when children grab hold of the toy catalogue to start circling what they want from Father Christmas.
But one retailer has found itself in hot water with shoppers after they spotted some of its toys at up to half the price 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.
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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.
"My daughter wants all Barbie for Christmas so I have started shopping around like I always do," said the mum.
"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.
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.
"I noticed this too! Aeroplane is only £60 In Smyths," said one mum, while sharing a photo of the same Barbie Dream Plane Transforming Playset being sold by Argos for £105.
Some of the shoppers suggested it was common practice, by Argos and other retailers, ahead of 3 for 2 toy offers or other sales.
"It’s because the sales will be happening shortly so they’ll have the sale price as what they would normally sell them for," said one. "They have to inflate the price a few weeks before to then do the % cut, all the stores do it when it comes to things like toys as the prices can fluctuate."
Another added: "Their 3 for 2 toy sale will start soon…..happens every year. Grim pricing practice!! And even with 3 for 2 it can still be cheaper elsewhere."
An Argos spokesperson told the MEN: "Prices are influenced by a range of factors. We’re committed to offering our customers great choice and value across a wide range of products."
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