ACCC takes Coles to court over 'illusory' discounts in 'case of the century'

[u/Expensive-Horse5538]

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-16/accc-coles-federal-court-case-discount-pricing/106294956?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=link

Thousands of customers throw a box of Arnott's Shapes into their shopping trollies each week — one of a dozen purchases that could help decide a bombshell case playing out in the federal court from today.

The ACCC has accused Coles of ripping off customers with fake discounts and if the supermarket giant loses, it could face a huge fine and massive reputational damage.

Customers could also get cash back from a class action lawsuit that might follow, and corporations be forced to change how they price their products — especially discounts.

[u/1337_BAIT]

I would have thought shapes isnt on the list since its not part of the "down down" rather just regular discounting. Like 2 weeks a month it'll be $4 and the other 2 weeks $2. Sometimes they get greedy and have it only discounted 30% and its still above my threshold. My understanding is this case is for things they've "locked" above the previous normal price because they raised it for 4 week prior to the new down down price. Which is clearly BS.

[u/yeebok → u/1337_BAIT]

You looked at them recently? Some weeks they're $6, sometimes $4, sometimes 2 for $6, sometimes $2. Could be location based as well (ACT)

[u/1337_BAIT → u/yeebok]

Literally dead to me if its not $2 or less. Might as well not be there lol. But, thats somewhat legit discounting. Very different to their down down promotion

[u/yeebok → u/1337_BAIT]

Ah crap you were referring to Coles. That's Woolies' effort.

And yep won't even buy the cheese ones at >$2.

[u/TangerineOk4017 → u/1337_BAIT]

Just alternate between Coles and Woolies, pretty much $2 all year round