The Post exposes price gougers targeting shoppers ahead of Winter Storm Fern

Shoppers racing to prepare for Winter Storm Fern say they’re being hit with a flurry of steep price increases as the powerful system bears down on New York City and much of the Northeast.

Across the country, consumers are reporting sudden price spikes on essential winter items sold through Amazon. Using the company’s own AI shopping assistant, Rufus, The Post tracked sharp increases on everything from snow boots to ice melt and emergency supplies — many occurring within just a day.

One striking example involved Amazon Essentials Women’s Lace-Up Puffer Snow Boots. On Tuesday, the boots sold for $22.85. By Wednesday, the price jumped to $37.10, then climbed again to $43.70 on Thursday — a total increase of $20.85, or roughly 91% in two days.

Ice melt prices also surged. A one-gallon container of Petra Pet Safe Ice Melt rose from $44.98 on Tuesday to $49.99 Wednesday, before soaring to $64.99 on Thursday — a 44.5% increase overall.

Weather experts warn that major winter storms often bring power outages, loss of heat and communication disruptions, and shortages of critical supplies — particularly if conditions last more than 24 hours. Emergency planners recommend keeping flashlights, lanterns, batteries and first aid supplies on hand.

But those items, too, have seen price hikes. A four-pack of Lichamp LED camping lanterns rose more than $10 to $29.99 on Thursday after selling for $19.79 the day before. A three-pack of rechargeable flashlights jumped from $35.98 on Sunday to $44.98 by Thursday.

While many battery multipacks have so far remained stable, the best-selling DREO space heater increased by more than $6 since Wednesday, climbing from $32.89 to $38.99. A 260-piece OSHA-compliant first aid kit also rose in price, increasing from $17.91 on Wednesday to $20.95 by Thursday.

Parents shopping for winter gear for growing children are seeing similar trends. Arctix Kids Insulated Snow Bib Overalls jumped $7 on Thursday to $48.99, up from $41.98 the previous day. Amazon’s top-selling waterproof mittens for kids rose from $14.39 on Monday to $17.99 on Tuesday.

Even everyday necessities have not been spared. Pampers Swaddlers diapers increased from $56.78 on Wednesday to $59.77 a day later. Another popular pair of women’s snow boots climbed from $41.39 to $45.99 on Thursday, while Snow Joe Premium Enviro Blend Ice Melt — labeled a No. 1 bestseller — rose from $32.97 to $35.97 overnight.

A three-pack of ice scrapers with fleece gloves and a brush also jumped in price, increasing from $23.99 on Wednesday to $26.99 Thursday.

Amazon has been contacted for comment.

Meanwhile, several states — including South Carolina and North Carolina — have begun enforcing price-gouging laws ahead of the storm. New York law already prohibits vendors, retailers and suppliers from charging “unconscionably excessive” prices for goods and services deemed essential during emergencies.

“New Yorkers stocking up on necessities before the snowstorm should not have to pay higher prices,” Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. “New York’s price gouging law is clear that retailers cannot raise prices on necessities during emergencies.”

Covered items include food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging and transportation.

original source