CCPC prosecutes retailers for breaking sales pricing laws

                        	

November 29, 2024

                        	
CCPC proceedings launched against several nationwide retailers for breaches of sales pricing laws
CCPC to carry out inspections of sales discounts on offer over Black Friday sales period
Traders and consumers urged to report fake Black Friday discounts



The CCPC (Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) has launched proceedings against a number of nationwide retailers for breaking sales pricing laws. The retailers are due to appear before the Courts in January 2025.


The prosecutions of these traders, which include retailers active in the electrical, cosmetics, furniture, and clothing and footwear sectors, relate to pricing breaches identified in CCPC online sweeps conducted over the 2023-2024 winter sales season, including Black Friday and January sales. A number of other traders have been interviewed under caution, and further prosecutions are expected to follow.


Chairperson of the CCPC Brian McHugh said:


“The CCPC carried out a large number of sales pricing inspections over the Black Friday and winter sales periods last year, looking at both online and instore pricing. Our inspectors saw many excellent examples of accurate sales pricing and sales communications, however, we also identified retailers where there was significant and widespread breaches of the law. Those traders are now being prosecuted by the CCPC, with the first wave of cases due before the courts in January.


Ultimately, misleading sale discounts harm consumers and harm competition. Businesses need to able to compete for consumers openly and honestly on price. This Black Friday, the CCPC is calling on both consumers and business owners to report any suspected fake discounts or misleading pricing to the CCPC.”


As shoppers seek out a bargain in the Black Friday sales today, CCPC consumer protection officers will be inspecting the discounts on offer to Irish consumers to ensure they are genuine. The CCPC is committed to ensuring compliance with the pricing regulations and to using its powers in the event of non-compliance.


Last week, the CCPC released new research indicating low levels of consumer trust in discounts with less than a third (30%) of consumers trusting that discounts displayed by businesses are genuine.


Complaints are a valuable source of information to the CCPC as they help identify sectors where consumers may be at risk. Traders and consumers are encouraged to notify the CCPC of fake discounts by using the reporting form, by contacting the CCPC helpline on 01 402 5555 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) or by emailing ask@ccpc.ie.
		

                  

                				
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CCPC Takes Legal Action Against Retailers for Violating Sales Pricing Laws

The CCPC has started legal proceedings against several nationwide retailers for violating sales pricing laws, with court appearances scheduled for January 2025. The prosecutions target retailers in various sectors like electrical, cosmetics, furniture, and clothing, stemming from pricing breaches identified during the 2023-2024 winter sales season, including Black Friday and January sales.

Chairperson Brian McHugh emphasized the importance of accurate sales pricing to protect consumers and competition. The CCPC urges consumers and businesses to report any suspected fake discounts or misleading pricing, aiming to promote fair competition and transparency in pricing.

Consumer protection officers from the CCPC are inspecting Black Friday discounts to ensure their authenticity, as recent research shows low consumer trust in displayed discounts. Complaints play a crucial role in identifying sectors at risk, and both traders and consumers are encouraged to report fake discounts to the CCPC through various channels.



CCPC Takes Legal Action Against Retailers for Violating Sales Pricing Laws

The CCPC initiates legal proceedings against nationwide retailers for breaching sales pricing laws, focusing on Black Friday and winter sales periods.