Isawitfirst to absorb import fees for Irish customers

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Dec 1, 2021

As an incentive to shop on its platform in the Republic of Ireland, Isawitfirst has come up with a novel way of offering both a discount and an easier transaction route.

The online fast-fashion retailer has announced it will pay for any Import Duty, Tax or added VAT for its customers ordering in Southern Ireland.

“Isawitfirst is passionate about its customers and the brand doesn’t want its Irish fans to pay extra to receive their fashion fix, so have pledged to pay for the added costs themselves,” the retailer said Wednesday.

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Newly-appointed CEO Greg Pateras said of the new initiative will allow Irish customers “to shop our website and App without having to worry about… added fees.”

The added tax and new fees kicked in following the UK’s exit from the European Union’s single market in January last year. Import VAT is now payable on all goods arriving in Ireland from non-EU countries, irrespective of its value. For goods costing over €150, customs duty and VAT are due.

Retailers face a number of cost issues at present with rising raw materials and staff costs, plus those connected to Brexit, often being passed on to customers by many of the firm’s peers.

Isawitfirst has been inventive in the way it reaches its customers, with the fast-fashion brand sponsoring television’s hugely popular Love Island show. It also began showcasing selected products in the UK via TikTok in June.

Last month, ISawItFirst fast-tracked Pateras to become its new CEO. The ex-Matalan chief executive only joined the fashion e-tailer in August and moves up as founder Jalal Kamani becomes chairman.