AN ONLINE fashion firm has launched an investigation into why the same items of clothing were sold for different prices across its fashion labels.

An investigation by the BBC revealed that that Dorothy Perkins and Coast, both owned by Boohoo which maintains a large distribution hub in Burnley and has recently announced a major expansion in the town, sold exactly the same coat but it cost £34 more at Coast.

The investigation also discovered price disparities across a range of Boohoo brands, including Oasis and Warehouse, however the company has said that the 'miscommunication was not intentional'.

Responding to the BBC investigation a spokesperson said: "All Boohoo group brands work independently, and so this miscommunication was not intentional as teams are not privy to what's being bought and sold across the other group brands."

The investigation, prompted by BBC reporter Jennifer Meierhans found that:

  • A coat from Coast cost £34 more than an identical coat sold at Dorothy Perkins while the Dorothy Perkins branding appeared to have been cut from the label in the coat sold by Coast
  • A long "luxe" padded coat in the colour mushroom was originally sold for £89 at Oasis and £65 at Dorothy Perkins.
  • The same coat in khaki was in the sale for £30 in Warehouse and £66.75 in Coast until the BBC brought the matter to Boohoo's attention. They are now both priced at £18.

Boohoo has also said that the coat was first sold by Coast and has now been re-priced at £17 on both brands' websites.

The online retailer bought Coast's online business in 2019 along with sister brand Karen Millen.

Earlier this year, Boohoo also acquired Dorothy Perkins, together with Wallis and Burton, from Arcadia for £25.2 million.

The firm is currently planning to work with several Lancashire companies to expand into new facilities in Burnley by transforming old industrial units on Widow Hill Road.