Harrods criticised for not honouring price

A couple today criticised Harrods for refusing to honour a knock-down price in its sale.

Richard and Yara Burrell, from Hendon, north London, queued from 7am yesterday to be among the first to snap up bargains.

They could hardly believe their luck when they found a £1,749 sheepskin coat for Mrs Burrell discounted to what they believed was £122.50.

Mr Burrell, 46, a chartered accountant, explained: “My wife immediately fell in love with it and given that Harrods advertise these one-off bargains we went straight to the cash desk.

“The assistant was just about to take our money when she called her supervisor over who said the price was a mistake.”

Mr Burrell argued that under the Sale of Goods Act an item must be sold at the advertised price but staff, including a manager, refused.

“My wife felt utterly degraded, especially when the manager said ‘This is Harrods, not a market stall’,” he said.

The couple insisted on taking a photocopy of the original price ticket and plan to contact trading standards officers to discuss what can be done.

Harrods defended its actions, claiming the coat had been marked down to £1,224 not £122.50.

“The coat in question was among other items offered on a sale at 30% off,” said a spokesman.

“The customer was informed at the time that 30% off the original price would have made the price £1,224 and not £122 and that being the case Harrods withdrew the item from sale as it is perfectly entitled to do.

“There was clearly a misunderstanding about the price.”