Class Action – Woolworths & Coles Deceptive Pricing Allegations
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October updates
These documents contain the ACCC’s initiating court documents in relation to these matters.
“Peter Carter reckons customers should entertain a class action, citing the potential for significant compensation based on supermarket spending habits.”
dailymail.co.uk, Why you could be owed thousands of dollars by Woolworths and Coles, September 29, 2024
Between September 2021 and May 2023, Woolworths and Coles allegedly engaged in deceptive pricing practices that misled customers with “Prices Dropped” and “Down Down” promotions. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has taken action against both supermarkets, raising serious concerns about pricing manipulations that impacted shoppers across Australia.
Carter Capner Law is investigating these practices to determine whether consumers are entitled to compensation for being deceived by these tactics.
Alleged Deceptive Practices:
- Woolworths and Coles allegedly increased the prices of certain products by at least 15% for a short period before placing them in deceptive promotional campaigns such as “Prices Dropped” or “Down Down.”
- The ACCC claims that these promotions misled consumers by displaying inaccurate “was” prices, making the discounts appear larger than they actually were.
Woolworths + Coles Alleged Promotional Misconduct
Woolworths and Coles are facing serious allegations of deceptive promotional practices. Both supermarkets allegedly manipulated prices to mislead customers with false savings, including their well-known “Prices Dropped” and “Down Down” promotions.
Coles: Household Items
| Product Name | Regular Price | Price Spike | Discount’ Price | Discount’ Price Sting |
| Dettol Foam Hand Wash Refill Rose & Cherry 900ml (2814625) | $7.00 | $10.50 | $9.50 | 36% |
| Glade Sense & Spray Automatic Air Freshener Sheer Vanilla Embrace (3057591) | $9.00 | $14.00 | $12.00 | 33% |
| …. |
Woolworths: Pet Care & Food
| Product Name | Regular Price | Price Spike | Discount’ Price | Discount’ Price Sting |
| Lucky Dog Bones Original 800g (433643-EA) | $4.50 | $6.50 | $6.00 | 33% |
| Lucky Dog Meaty Chew Beef 96g Pk4 (516943-EA) | $4.50 | $7.00 | $6.00 | 33% |
| Lucky Dog Meaty Chew Lamb 96g Pk4 (516947-EA) | $4.50 | $7.00 | $6.00 | 33% |
| …. |
These misconducts allegedly impacted the prices of everyday items like Arnott’s Shapes, Strepsils, Tim Tams, Moccona coffee, and more. To understand the details of each supermarket’s alleged misconduct, follow the links above.
Key Concerns Being Investigated:
The alleged facts support a very good class action claim on behalf of consumers Australia wide who regularly shopped at those markets during the relevant periods.
The success of the class action does not depend on the ACCC case against the grocery giants but the evidence the ACCC has collected would be useful. The claim relies on their breaches of the Australian Consumer Law sections 18 (misleading/deceptive conduct), 20, 21 (unconscionable conduct) and 29 (misleading representation re price of goods).
- Deceptive pricing on hundreds of products at Woolworths and Coles.
- The financial impact on consumers who regularly shopped at these supermarkets.
- The broader implications of deceptive pricing in the Australian retail industry.
“Carter Capner Law director Peter Carter suggests that customers should not let this deceptive conduct go unchallenged.”
news.com.au, ‘Express outrage’: Chance for class action against Woolworths, Coles, lawyer says, September 29, 2024
Potential Compensation:
If you regularly shopped at Woolworths or Coles during this period, you may be entitled to compensation. Early estimates suggest that households could claim between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the amount spent and the impact of the deceptive pricing.
How to Participate:
If you or your family shopped at Woolworths or Coles between September 2021 and May 2023, you may be eligible for compensation. Register your interest to receive advice about your compensation entitlement and join the class action led by Carter Capner Law.
By filling out an Expression of Interest (EOI) form, affected consumers can register their intent to stay informed about the class action’s progress and explore their options for compensation due to the misleading sales practices. Please visit Carter Capner Law for further information on privacy and data collection.