Pro-euro group to name 'rip off' shops

In the latest move to promote the single currency, British high street stores are to be named and shamed for "ripping off" consumers with prices higher than those found in the eurozone.

In the latest move to promote the single currency, British high street stores are to be named and shamed for "ripping off" consumers with prices higher than those found in the eurozone.

Shoppers in Europe, part of the pro-single currency movement, will demonstrate at its first target store in London tomorrow after a celebrity launch of its summer campaign. The group hopes to capitalise on the holiday season to sell the practical strengths of the single currency.

"It's a critical period for demystifying the euro and making people less scared of it," a source said.

At the heart of the campaign will be moves to show how people are losing out by Britain staying out of the euro.

Price differentials between the eurozone and Britain are to be systematically exposed in a "naming and shaming" campaign against the retailers responsible.

In a gimmick to sell the campaign, Shoppers in Europe is suggesting – complete with accompanying gift – that buying a pair of jeans in the eurozone is sufficiently cheaper than in the UK to leave consumers enough money over to buy a pair of knickers.

The group promises its approach will be graphic and hard-hitting, a departure from the rather establishment practices of Britain in Europe, the umbrella for the all-party pro-single currency campaign.

"We are going to target these firms one at a time. It will be a warning that we are going to bring their rip-off practices to the nation's attention," a Shoppers in Europe spokesman said. "After our name-and-shame campaign, people are going to know who is ripping them off."