London Heathrow offers worst `tax free` discounts in Europe

With the summer holiday season underway, many travellers will be taking advantage of 'tax free' shopping at the airport. A new report released today by shopping comparison website Kelkoo, reveals that departure lounge retailers may not be offering the bargains shoppers expect. Contrary to popular belief, 'tax free' goods in European airports are on average just 6.2% cheaper than those in local high street stores, with Heathrow offering the worst overall discounts out of any major European airport (3.1%).

Tax free shopping is big business for European airports, with consumers spending over Ј2.5 billion last year alone, making savings of 6.2% (Ј168 million) compared to standard high street prices. However, by shopping online for the same goods, consumers could have saved a further 6.1% (Ј156 million) - which would have equated to a total saving of 12% ( Ј324 million) over high street stores.

For people who like to shop before they fly, the discounts on offer across European airports vary widely. Heathrow offers the worst average tax free savings in Europe at just 3.1%, followed by Berlin Schoenefeld at 4.6%, while Gatwick ranks fifth with below average savings of 5%.  In contrast, Lyon St Exupery offers the highest average tax free savings at 11.9%, closely followed by Charles de Gaulle, Paris (11.5%). British airport retailers are the most expensive for luxury, fashion & electrical goods, whilst Spanish airport stores have the highest prices for health and beauty products, and wines and spirits are dearest in French airports.

Source: TDN  

18.08.10