Retail Giants Absorb VAT on Period Knickers for Affordability
- John Lewis Partnership reduces price of period pants by 20%
- Retailers absorb 20% VAT charge for customers
- More than 30 period knickers affected at John Lewis and Waitrose
- Waitrose previously lowered cost of other sanitary products in 2017
John Lewis and Waitrose, two major retailers, have decided to reduce the prices of period knickers by 20% in a bid to make them more accessible. The companies will absorb the 20% VAT charge themselves, following Waitrose’s previous move in 2017 to lower the cost of other sanitary products and abolish the 5% VAT charge before the government’s ‘Tampon Tax’ was abolished in January 2021. Nicki Baggott, Sanitary Products Buyer for Waitrose, stated: ‘It’s a no-brainer that period underwear should be classed as a period product. It’s the right thing to do and will help our customers save money on everyday essentials.’ Jo McKee, Lingerie Buyer for John Lewis, added: ‘We’re known for offering great-quality underwear at affordable prices to our customers. We feel it’s the right thing to abolish this tax on period underwear, to make these essential products as accessible as possible.’
Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about John Lewis and Waitrose’s decision to reduce the price of period knickers by absorbing the VAT charge, includes relevant quotes from representatives of the companies, and discusses the impact on customers. It also provides background information on previous actions taken by Waitrose regarding sanitary products.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about John Lewis and Waitrose’s decision to reduce the price of period knickers by absorbing the VAT charge, which is a specific and timely topic. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of broader implications and does not offer significant actionable insights.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: John Lewis and Waitrose
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the financial decision made by John Lewis and Waitrose to lower the price of period knickers by absorbing the VAT charge, which impacts their revenue and pricing strategy. This decision may also affect other retailers in the industry.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event in the text, but the retailers’ actions to reduce the price of period knickers are aimed at making them more accessible and affordable for customers.
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