Scout Store price changes in the new year

The variable Dollar exchange rate and the UK’s economic situation means Scout Store needs to make some price changes to cover the increased costs of producing and stocking certain items.

Uniform increases

Scout Store has seen a cost increase to stock existing uniform ranges. Although the supplier is paid in Pound Sterling, the exchange rate for shipping costs and buying fabric is having an impact.

To cover the increased costs, Scout Store is raising the price of all uniform items by £1 from 1 April 2023.

In six years, only sweatshirts and polos for Beavers and Cubs have gone up in price. This was by 50p, earlier in 2022. The Squirrels uniform discount for the most deprived communities (those classified as IMD 1–3 in the English indices of deprivation) will stay in place.

Scout Store is committed to looking at sourcing and producing uniform closer to the UK. They’ve worked with several suppliers in Portugal, Morocco, Turkey, Bangladesh, and China to price the uniform, while comparing the lead times and seeing which delivery methods are most sustainable.

Badge Increases

The drop in the Dollar rate has also impacted the cost of badges, which are bought in dollars.

Badge prices are going up by 5p from 16 January 2023. It’s a 7% increase in selling price, which covers the cost increases. The last time badge prices went up was in January 2019, by 5p.

Support and further information

The increases in cost of living will have a direct impact on many young people in Scouts. We want Scouts to continue to grow and deliver skills for life for more young people, even during this uncertain time.

This is when our young people and the people they live with need us most. Finances should never be a barrier for a young person to take part in Scouts. Find more support on how to make sure all young people can continue their Scouts activities.