Purim costumes: Significant price variations

• Published date: 14 March 2024
• Author: LEE SIVILIA
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Purim is around the corner and parents who have not yet purchased costumes, as well as adults who intend to celebrate, are now rushing to find and purchase the desired costume in time

The Consumer Council's inspection shows that there are significant price differences for the same costumes, even if there are differences in quality or visibility between the costumes. The Consumer Council suggests: "You can compromise on a discounted costume."

On the Israeli trade websites, which have become very popular also for purchasing costumes, you can find a wide variety of costumes. The Consumer Council's inspection of trade websites shows that there are very significant price differences for the same figure, even if there are differences in visibility or quality between the manufacturers and brands.

The test was conducted on 22.2.2024 at 7 shopping sites: Terminal X, Niños, Toys R Us, Green Toys, H&M, Moran Toys, and Sport & Toy, and six popular costumes were tested: Cinderella, Mickey Crown, Spider-Man, Sammy the fireman, Kach PJ Blue Cat, and Wonder Woman. The prices of the costumes ranged from NIS 99 to NIS 199.

The results of the test show (see table) that no site is leading in all categories and that the costume you are interested in must be specifically checked in order to get it at the best price.

The differences between the stores reach tens of percent and in terms of monetary difference between NIS 20 and NIS 100 difference between a costume of the same character (as mentioned there can be quality differences, accessory differences, etc.).

The Toys R Us chain stands out negatively with the highest price on three of the six costumes tested, and with the highest price on the Cinderella, Fireman Sammy and Mickey Crown costume. The rest of the tested networks are expensive in some costumes and cheap in others without absolute significance.

"As with the food products, also with the costume manufacturers, you can compromise on a lesser-known brand and purchase a discounted costume, it is not necessary to always look for the expensive brand. Since the costume is only worn for one or a few days, it will be easier to purchase a discounted costume of the same character, depending for your budget.

The Consumer Council recommends that the consumer public check carefully before choosing a...