Winter Coat Price Gaps: Israel vs. Europe and US Markets
A new study reveals massive price gaps of hundreds of shekels on winter coats between Israel, Europe, and the US, with brands like ZARA and Massimo Dutti costing significantly more locally.
Winter Shopping Gap: Israeli Prices for Coats Outpace Europe and the US
Israeli winter may be short, but the seasonal shopping list remains consistent: a light jacket, an elegant trench coat, and a warm fleece. However, a new study conducted by the Israeli shipping company Redbox parcel reveals price gaps of hundreds of shekels between coat prices in Israel and those in Europe or the US, alongside popular brands that have yet to reach Israel.
At the top of the list is Uniqlo, the brand Israelis love to search for abroad. In the absence of local branches, the way to get light, packable jackets is through shipping from the US. A women's PUFFTECH jacket costs about 80 dollars on the American website, and a parka version about 90 dollars. Also on the remote order list: an Old Navy transition jacket sold for 35 dollars, and a fringed suede jacket from Free People that costs 168 dollars in the US. Durable work jackets from the American brand Carhartt are also found in the US in a wide variety at prices ranging around 130 to 140 dollars.
Dramatic Price Differences in Global Chains Operating in Israel
However, the study reveals exceptionally unusual data when it comes to chains operating in both Israel and Europe. At the top of the list is the fashion chain ZARA, where a water-repellent trench coat costs about 274 shekels (89.95 euros) in the Netherlands, while in Israel the exact same coat will cost you 529 shekels. This is a gap of 255 shekels—almost double its price abroad.
"Israelis order from abroad for two main reasons: brands that are not available in Israel, and price gaps of hundreds of shekels," notes Nimrod Magidov, CEO of Redbox parcel.
Additional items show stark contrasts. At Massimo Dutti, a trench coat with a detachable hood costs about 672 shekels (220 euros) in the Netherlands, while in Israel you will pay no less than 1,149 shekels—a gap of 477 shekels. At Columbia, a men's fleece jacket is offered on the US website for about 45 dollars (approx. 170 shekels), while on the Israeli website its price stands at about 240 shekels.
Smart Shopping and Shipping Calculations
Magidov emphasizes that before pressing the order button, one must compare the final price which includes shipping costs to Israel and taxation, rather than relying solely on the dry price tag on the website. So if you haven't prepared for the upcoming winter yet, it is worth checking all options available to make a sound financial decision.
