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Consumer electronics giant Sony has effectively eradicated VAT on its products for a limited period over Christmas in the UK, with its ‘VAT Back’ scheme.
Shoppers will be able to claim back Value Added Tax on Sony products, such as cameras, e-readers and Blu-ray players, 3D TVs, and laptops bought between 28 October and 24 December from the firm itself.
Sony has got all the major UK retailers on board with the scheme, including John Lewis, Tesco Extra, M&S Home, Jessops, PC World, Amazon, Comet, Currys and Argos, as well as independent outlets and Sony Centres.
A national ad campaign has been put in place to support the offer, staring Sir Derek Jacobi as Scrooge in a modern-day version of A Christmas Carol. Reading the offer ‘V.A.T back…..Sony….ends Christmas Eve’ out loud, the Gladiator star and Olivier Award Winner rushes out to purchase a ton of Sony gifts for his nephew’s family.
Andy Benson, commercial director at Sony UK said: “Next year is likely to be a tough time for everyone, and with Christmas around the corner, getting the ‘VAT Back’ will hopefully make the difference for anyone in two minds about whether to make that extra special purchase for the family or as a Christmas gift.”
The Government’s announcement earlier this year that VAT will be increased in January has caused fears of a retail slowdown from some quarters, a mood Sony is likely to do well out of with this offer.
