High Street stores 'rip off' shoppers

High Street stores have been caught out charging customers up to 40 per cent more for clothing than in other EU countries.

New price tags introduced after the launch of the single currency list the cost of garments in euros and pounds.

But when customers convert the euro price they are finding that it is cheaper than the listed sterling price. Baroness Ludford, from new consumer body Shoppers in Europe, said the tags proved that some retailers viewed the UK as a treasure island.

"We are being ripped off by shops able to charge higher prices here. They hide behind our different currency so we cannot easily spot the scam," she said.