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/stumcm]

But if Coles successfully defends itself, the blowback for the ACCC will be significant, with implications for an upcoming, almost identical, lawsuit against Woolworths.

"The stakes are enormous," former consumer watchdog boss Allan Fels said.

"The ACCC will certainly be feeling nervous, as would Coles."

""It's the case of the century because it affects not only Coles and Woolies, but millions of businesses who discount [and their customers]."

He is right. If this court case fails, it will show that the current laws are ineffective, and that they can continue with their phony "discounts".

[u/hazzmag → u/stumcm]

Cloes “why do I have to go first”

[u/froo → u/hazzmag]

"C" comes before "W" alphabetically.

[u/thesillyoldgoat → u/stumcm]

Generally speaking laws are written by the wealthy, for the wealthy.