14 Feb 2009

UK camera retailers

I don't know if anyone else has noticed that within the last few weeks, some UK camera equipment retailers have hiked up their prices by considerable amounts. In certain cases by as much as 45%. I fail to see how they can justify such massive increases. If you check sites in the USA and factor in the exchange rate, import duty etc, it still comes in well under the UK prices. I realise the UK pound is weak, making imports more expensive, the economy is not at its best and retail sales are depressed but 45%, they are having a laugh.
For instance. A few weeks ago a Canon 85mm f1.2L USM II was £1248 at one online store. The same item is now £1792, which is unbelievable!
You don't need to be a genius to predict what the impact would be if I suddenly increased my prices significantly.

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