The Daily Star Ireland
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has initiated legal actions against several retailers across the country for alleged violations of sales pricing regulations.
These retailers, spanning industries such as electronics, cosmetics, furniture, and clothing, were flagged during the CCPC’s inspections conducted during the 2023-2024 winter sales period, which included the January sales and Black Friday.
According to Brian McHugh, the chairperson of the CCPC, the commission carried out numerous inspections on both online and in-store pricing during these sales events. While many retailers adhered to proper sales pricing and clear communications, others were found to have committed significant violations of the law. The first round of legal cases is set to go to court in January, and additional prosecutions are anticipated.
The CCPC emphasized that misleading sales practices not only harm consumers but also distort market competition, underlining the need for businesses to compete fairly and transparently on pricing.
This announcement coincides with the start of the Black Friday weekend, a peak shopping period where retailers aim to attract bargain hunters. The CCPC has stated that it will have its customer protection officers out in force to monitor and verify discounts, ensuring they are legitimate.
The commission also urged consumers and businesses to report any suspicious discounts or misleading pricing during this time. In response to previous concerns, new regulations were introduced in November 2022 to enhance pricing transparency. These rules require retailers to display the previous lowest price of a product within the last 30 days when advertising a sale discount.
As the busy shopping season approaches, shoppers are being reminded to exercise caution when shopping online. A recent study by the national registry of the .ie domain revealed that one in four adults has fallen victim to online fraud, with two-thirds reporting financial losses. Despite this, fewer than half of consumers prioritize security when choosing online retailers.
