The Italian competition authority, known as the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato, has imposed a fine of €3 million on Emme Group S.p.A., the owner of the Marion mattress brand. This penalty was issued due to the company's complex unfair commercial practices that misled consumers during promotional activities.

Emme Group was found to have advertised mattresses at discounted prices that were never actually offered, enticing consumers to schedule home visits for purchasing these mattresses. During these visits, sales agents pressured consumers, including vulnerable elderly individuals, to buy additional mattresses at significantly higher prices, sometimes exceeding €3,000 more than the advertised discounted rates.

The misleading promotions were broadcasted frequently on major national and local television channels, where the company provided deceptive information regarding pricing, product convenience, and tax incentives. The promotions consistently displayed a promotional price alongside a strikethrough of a supposed full price that was never applied. Furthermore, the company failed to disclose the lowest price of the mattresses in the last 30 days, which is a requirement for promotional offers.

Despite recent changes to their advertising communications, the authority found that the issues raised had not been adequately addressed. The authority's decision highlights the importance of truthful advertising and the protection of consumer rights in commercial practices.