The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is set to take several nationwide retailers to court in January 2025 for allegedly breaching sales pricing laws during the 2023-2024 winter sales season.
According to The Journal, following extensive online and in-store inspections during last year’s Black Friday and January sales, the consumer watchdog discovered significant pricing irregularities across multiple retail sectors, including electronics, cosmetics, furniture, and clothing.
CCPC Chairperson Brian McHugh highlighted that while many retailers demonstrated accurate sales pricing, a number of traders were found to have “significant and widespread breaches of the law.” The first wave of prosecutions will commence in January, with more potential legal actions anticipated.
McHugh emphasized the broader impact of misleading discounts, stating they “harm consumers and harm competition” by undermining fair business practices. The CCPC’s recent research underscores consumer skepticism, revealing that less than a third of shoppers trust the discounts displayed by businesses.
The consumer protection agency has announced that officers will be actively monitoring this year’s Black Friday sales to ensure pricing transparency. They are also encouraging consumers to report any suspected fake discounts or misleading pricing directly to the Commission.
These legal proceedings come at a critical time, potentially signaling a more rigorous approach to protecting consumer rights during major shopping events.