Fortnum & Mason: the true cost of Christmas

Spending became complacent when oil prices were high and now with oil prices in a lower for longer environment, oil companies are tightening the purse strings. All costs are scrutinised, projects are being sent back to the drawing board to be re-engineered and no dollar of spend is approved unless it is absolutely necessary. In the spirit of Christmas, the team at OGInsights thought we would do a little cost scrutiny of our own following stories about the cost inflation of Christmas hampers.

Fortnum & Mason's Imperial Hamper costs £5,000

We had a look at the Fortnum & Mason’s Imperial Hamper which can be purchased for the small sum of £5,000. How much would it cost if all the items were bought separately? We looked at the maths and the answer is £3,036.55 (excluding the tea caddy which isn’t available to buy standalone). This implies one of two things, both of which are extraordinary and outrageous! Either Fortnum & Mason’s are charging a mark-up of £1,963.45 on top of the profit of the individual items, simply for the service of putting everything into a hamper for you or the basket, packaging and tea caddy are worth £1,963.45! Full workings below - all credit to our guest contributor Alistair F.

What about all the trouble of going around the store picking up all the items you say? Well, you can either order online, or if you are spending £3,036.55, we are sure the personal shoppers will be more than happy to help out in store.

Actual cost of the Fortnum & Mason's Imperial Hamper