BIG W is taking immediate action following “sexist” pricing claims on traditional men’s and women’s gift packs

BIG W took immediate action after a concerned customer pointed out a “sexist” price difference between two identical items.

One shopper noticed on Facebook that Tradie gift packs for men were $4 cheaper than Tradie gift packs for women — even though they contained the same items.

A photo of a store display shows that the women’s Tradie water bottle and shower gel set is $18, while the men’s Tradie water bottle and body wash set is only $14.

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“Yesterday at my local BIG W and stumbled upon these, both exactly the same – just different prices,” wrote the shopper on BIG W Mums Australia’s site.

The post drew widespread criticism, with many questioning the “sexist” pricing strategy.

7NEWS.com.au understands that the BIG W price discrepancy was the result of human error.

The retailer has confirmed that both packs will now both cost $14. This new price has already been updated on the BIG W website.

BIG W is also offering refunds to all customers who already purchased the Women’s Tradie Pack at the inflated price of $18.

BIG W answers

“We have reviewed the products and found there was a pricing error on the Women’s Tradie Drink Bottle and Body Wash Gift Set,” a spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.

“Both sets should have been priced the same, and both products are now correctly priced at $14 each.

“Customers who purchased the product from BIG W for $18 on or after November 1, 2022 are eligible for a refund of the difference with proof of purchase. Please visit the store or contact our customer service team.”

After initially seeing the buyer’s Facebook post, many BIG W fans reacted angrily.

“Sexism at its finest,” said one.

Another added, “Women are paying more and more for beauty products because the beauty industry thinks we’re stupid.”

Wrote another one: “That’s the pink tax for you.”