Consumer watchdog zeroes in on Woolworths’ allegedly fake discounts as it meets supermarket giant in court
Summary
Australia’s consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has taken Woolworths to court, accusing the supermarket of misleading shoppers with fake discounts on many products. The case focuses on Woolworths temporarily raising prices before discounting items, making discounts look better than they really were.Key Facts
- The ACCC alleges Woolworths used false discounts on at least 266 products between September 2021 and May 2023.
- Woolworths’ “Prices Dropped” promotions are accused of showing discounts from artificially inflated prices.
- Some products involved include Tim Tams, apple cider vinegar, pasta, Oreos, and rice crackers.
- Woolworths denies misleading customers and says it worked to manage inflation’s impact on prices.
- A similar case against Coles is also underway, with comparable allegations about misleading discount tactics.
- The court will closely examine specific grocery items over a two-week hearing in Sydney.
- The ACCC claims Woolworths planned these price increases to create the appearance of a genuine discount later.
- Woolworths reported a 16% rise in profits even as the ACCC prepared its legal action.
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