We’ve long heard about the wage gap, and discrimination between men and women… now there’s proof that to get the best value for money, you should be shopping from the men’s toiletries in the beauty aisle.
According to a new study from the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), there is a consistent additional charge to near identical items… once it is produced in female gender-specific packaging.
The report, which compared 800 products with the female and male marketing counterparts, found that products that were practically identically except for packaging were marked up for a female audience.
Published in the
Washington Post, DCA Commissioner Julie Menin said:
“Controlling for quality, items marketed to girls and women cost an average 7 percent more than similar products aimed at boys and men.
“It’s a double whammy and it’s not just happening in New York. You see in the aisles the issue is clearly applicable to consumers across the country.”
Hauling through toys, children’s clothing, adult items, personal care products and home goods – the study proved that being a woman is an expensive business.
The biggest divide?
Women on average paid 48 per cent more for their personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and razors (which were 11 per cent more than the average men’s razor).
Considering we’re already fighting a gender pay gap, it seems those margins are even larger again.
So next time you’re heading down the supermarket aisle, be sure to pick up your essentials from the male grooming market.
Chances are it’s the same bottle, for a chunk of change less.
