The nursery retailer says it has had to review its prices to an extent that it hasn’t had to do for five years, after freight costs have quadrupled in the past 18 months.
The price increases will affect this season’s ranges, but will be per product and depend on each item and what it’s made from.
JoJo’s commercial director Gwynn Milligan, told Radio 4’s Today programme: “We have seen shipping costs quadrupling in the past 18 months and have had to review our prices to an extent that we have not had to do for five years.
“We have also been affected by paper and wood shortages which has meant longer lead times for delivery of product. We needed to act early with our Christmas lines in particular, to avoid this resulting in price increases should we be forced into alternative more costly shipping methods.
“This year we are now able to offer our Christmas range much earlier than usual and have lots of stock available which has not been affected by price increases.”
JoJo Maman Bébé doesn’t believe price increases will be sustained, but did indicate problems with deliveries too – largely down to a shortage of lorry drivers at ports and difficulties in obtaining shipping containers.
The news comes shortly after the British Retail Consortium warned that price increases could last into the winter months. Helen Dickinson OBE, chief executive of the BRC, commented: “There are some modest indications that rising costs are starting to filter through into product prices.
“Low prices are already under threat, and now the HGV driver shortage has created an additional problem with a shortfall of 90,000 drivers. Disruption has been limited so far, but in the run up to Christmas the situation could get worse, and customers may see reduced choice and increased prices for their favourite products and presents.”
