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Original poster

Early Learning Centre - Have you seen their OUTRAGEOUS price hikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

32 replies

hockeypuck · 07/08/2007 11:31

Can't believe it. Just had a look at ELC online and they've put all their prices up hugely.

Was going to buy DD the dolls house for her birthday, it's £80, but with the 20% off Big Birthday Club it's down to £64. Had a look today and the original price is £90 now. That's an 11% price hike in a few days - shocking!!

Everything is more expensive there this week - what are they thinking?

OP posts:
curlywurlycremeegg · 07/08/2007 11:34

I got the new catalogue through the door yesterday, I guess that the price rise coincides with the new catalougue launch Some lovely stuff in it though!

Original poster
hockeypuck · 07/08/2007 11:37

Yes, but 11% - it's ridiculous!

Coincidentally I notice that they now charge £12.50 for the paint your own tea set which is identical to the Tesco set available at £5.

Shall not be shopping there again.

OP posts:
newlifenewname · 07/08/2007 11:39

I went in yesterday to see what summer stuff they might be selling off. I wanted to get a sand tray for dc. Walked straight back out again as I felt everything we looked at was overpriced and even Sale Prices were high.

Original poster
hockeypuck · 07/08/2007 11:42

Also just seen their room sets for the dolls house have gone up 20%, from £12 to £15.

GRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

OP posts:
ELCAreCapitalistScumbags · 07/08/2007 12:03

We cant let them do this.

Get behind us people.

This is going to cost all of us a lot of money every year.

They do nice stuff but this takes the .... big time.

LIZS · 07/08/2007 12:11

but they always do this , in fact most retailers do it for their new season's stock. It gets marked up to the new prices during the normally quieter month of August(same happens in February btw) then by the autumn it has sold at the higher price for 28 days or more and can be reduced again(to around the previous price). It is a financial game and btw the projected profit margin will be based partly upon turnover at the lower price so you are paying well over the odds at full price !

Whooosh · 07/08/2007 12:11

Haven't they just been bought by Mothercare?

Whooosh · 07/08/2007 12:12

here

hunkermunker · 07/08/2007 12:14

They've got Mothercare "our sister company" on their website now, so probably.

I've just had a look at the site and can't see anything I've bought recently or remember thinking I might buy in the future that's a higher price, so it's not all of it.

I would say it's not going to cost all of us a lot of money each year - if things are too expensive, I don't buy them!

popmum · 07/08/2007 12:34

yes i THINK the 'sizzling kitchen' was £50 and is now £60 which is a 20% rise!!

Desiderata · 07/08/2007 12:36

I never shop in ELC. Woolworths is consistently cheap and there's much more choice.

hunkermunker · 07/08/2007 12:37

What I LOATHE about ELC is their insistence that every toy must be available in pink and blue.

Not much green, orange, yellow, etc - just these vile gender stereotype shades.

LazyLineLegilimens · 07/08/2007 13:09

The sizzlin kitchen has been £60 quid for ages with £30 of """free""" accessories.

ELC has been a rip off for ages.

Winston · 07/08/2007 14:52

Oooh, dont get me started! Just in the middle of a battle with them which has been going on for ages. My DD1 got one of the ELC sticker machines for Christmas. By April we needed a replacement sticker cartridge thingy and was told the machine and refills were no longer sold. I have been asking since then why they cant just sell the refills for all those who have got the machine and they havent actually answered the question. I have explained I felt £15 on a sticker machine that has now only been used for 4 months was not on and they havent even bothered responding. I am so cross. Its made me stay out of the store thats for sure.I know this isnt about the price hike but shows its all about money!

ELCAreCapitalistScumbags · 07/08/2007 14:56

I'm sure ELC used to be about uh "learning" or somesuch.

Now it's all about hard sell of pink and blue plastic and not giving a monkeys about the customer.

on your behalf Winston. I'd go into the store in person and kick up a fuss if I were you, or send the same email every day till you get a response!

Nbg · 07/08/2007 14:58

I've noticed their prices are higher too.
Have just been looking for ds's birthday.

tassisssss · 07/08/2007 14:59

equally can't bear the pink/blue thing - I have one of each and want them to share toys/pass them on

hadn't heard they'd been bought over by mothercare...interesting!

Winston · 07/08/2007 15:00

Will do ELC ACS! (Loving the nickname)

divamumplusbump · 09/08/2007 21:53

agree ELC defo ripp off. dare they put price up

cornetjo · 11/08/2007 23:05

If you are after a dolls house, they I would suggest this:

Dolls house

I bought it a few months ago for my dd's 2nd birthday, and both her and her 5 year old sister love playing with it. It comes with loads of furniture too and it is really good quality. In fact I love playing with it too. Only costs £49.99 too.

MrsSpoon · 11/08/2007 23:17

They definitely used to be all about learning, I remember my Mum going in years ago and buying stuff for a wee boy we knew and it was all very learning focused and seemed to offer something quite different to the other toy shops.

Winston my DS1 has that sticker maker too, it was bought ages ago and I have been meaning to get a refill for it and kept on forgetting I am too that they have stopped making the refills!

hermykne · 11/08/2007 23:27

are the sidling up beside GLTC and letterbox in their approach to the comsumer?

IdrisTheDragon · 11/08/2007 23:31

I like the look of that doll's house - I hate the way that the ELC one which was once plain wood is now pink - there is no need .

barbamama · 12/08/2007 15:58

I know what you mean about the pink dolls houses - I want to get one for my son as he loves playing with one at toddler group but I don't really want to get an overtly pink one as at some point someone will comment and make him feel bad about it no doubt. I was looking at that toys r us one with interest -- can I ask whether the doors or windows open though as he particularly likes doing this. I couldn't tell from the box.

I suspect the price hike is to do with the mothercare merger, takeover whatever to bring them in line prcie wise.

What is wrong with GLTC though, I've always found them very good - not cheap but excellent quality.

magnolia1 · 12/08/2007 16:00

Never Use ELC as they are so overpriced.