FORGET THE CHEAP WINE ... GET A SOFA FROM FRANCE

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Jan 30, 2000 | by GERARD COUZENS

FURNITURE superstore Ikea is charging its British customers hundreds of pounds more than French shoppers.

A Sunday Mirror survey has revealed a huge price gulf between almost identical goods in Ikea stores in France and Britain. The Swedish giant charges pounds 995 for a Bonde wall unit at its stores in Britain - but just pounds 699 in France.

And a Stromstad three-seat sofa costs pounds 545 here - pounds 256 more than over the Channel.

The price difference will fuel the "rip-off" Britain debate. Shoppers already make regular trips across the Channel to stock up on cheap beer, wine and cigarettes.

Now Phil Evans of the Consumers Association says: "Your survey shows that they could be saving hundreds of pounds by buying furniture as well."

The cover and most of the 382 pages of Ikea's brochures in France and Britain are identical. Only the language - and many of the price tags - are different.

An Ikea spokesman blamed the differences on higher land and transport costs and stricter safety regulations in Britain. But Mr Evans said: "Ikea faces far less competition in Britain. It means it can charge more."

The Department of Trade and Industry is due to publish the results of a survey of the price of 100 items in four countries including Britain and the US next month.

And grocery retailers will be told tomorrow of the Competition Commission's concerns about the pounds 93billion food sector following a probe into alleged profiteering.WHAT YOU COULD SAVE UK FRANCE

Bonde wall unit combination

pounds 995 pounds 699

Stromstad three-seater sofa

pounds 549 pounds 289

Nikkala three-seater sofa in four colours

pounds 395 pounds 299

Billy bookcase unit in birch veneer

pounds 138 pounds 59

PS cabinet in lacquered steel

pounds 69 pounds 49

Pugg wall clock in chrome-plated steel

pounds 20 pounds 14

Oland armchair with flexible frame

pounds 49 pounds 34

Poang armchair in beech, cotton covers

pounds 98 pounds 68

Lack one-shelf TV bench on castors

pounds 49 pounds 29

Ekeberg bed frame in beech finish

pounds 269 pounds 199

Narvik chest of drawers

pounds 109 pounds 69

Collie folding wooden plant stand

pounds 6 pounds 3