Supermarkets Fight ACCC Over Fake Discounts

0:00Australia's top supermarkets, Woolworths and Coals are fighting back in court against the consumer watchdog, the ACCC, over claims of fake price, discounts. Back in 2021 and 2022, right after the pandemic, they allegedly jacked up prices on various products for just a few weeks or months, then slapped on discounts that were still higher than the original prices. The ACCC says this created an illusion of savings, misleading shoppers. Woolworths is in court right now, facing tough questions from Justice Michael O'Brien while the Coals case waits for a ruling. Shoppers feel ripped off during that high inflation period when supplier costs were soaring too. These battles test if brief price hikes count as a real baseline for discounts or if they're just tricks. New price gouging laws kick in this year, building on the ACCC's grocery inquiry that didn't nail excessive pricing last time. Win or lose, these cases spotlight supermarkets tactics and might force them to rethink discount rules.

1:03Either way, it puts everyone on notice. Next time you spot a sale, double check if it's legit, and keep an eye on how these giants adjust their game. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to Sydney News today, AI-powered local news.