Australian shoppers could receive up to $1,300 in payouts from a class action lawsuit. Gerard Malouf & Partners filed the suit against Woolworths and Coles. This follows an ACCC investigation into alleged deceptive pricing practices.
The ACCC found Woolworths misled consumers about prices for 266 products over 20 months. Coles did the same for 245 products over 15 months. The supermarkets sold millions of affected products, gaining significant revenue.
Carter Capner, another law firm, launched a parallel class action. They estimate affected households could receive $2,000 to $5,000 in compensation. This depends on the amount spent and the impact of deceptive pricing.
Summary at a Glance
- Aussie shoppers can join a class action lawsuit against Coles and Woolworths, potentially receiving payouts ranging from $200 to over $1,300 each.
- The lawsuit, led by Gerard Malouf & Partners, follows an ACCC investigation into alleged deceptive pricing practices at the supermarkets.
- Woolworths allegedly misled customers about prices for 266 products over 20 months, while Coles did the same for 245 products over 15 months.
- The potential compensation could provide financial assistance and cost of living relief for affected consumers.
- Carter Capner Law has also launched a parallel class action, estimating that households could claim between $2,000 and $5,000 in compensation.
The Class Action Lawsuit Against Major Supermarkets
Two prominent law firms have launched class action lawsuits against Coles and Woolworths. They claim these supermarkets used deceptive pricing practices. This could affect millions of Australian consumers.
Gerard Malouf & Partners Leads the Charge
Gerard Malouf & Partners (GMP) is suing Coles and Woolworths. They estimate affected shoppers could get $200 to $1,300 in compensation. GMP claims the supermarkets falsely priced hundreds of products from September 2021 to May 2023.
Over 18,000 Australians have joined GMP’s class action. The firm believes these practices led to large profits at consumers’ expense.
Carter Capner Law’s Parallel Class Action
Carter Capner Law (CCL) has also sued Coles and Woolworths. They suggest affected households could claim $2,000 to $5,000 in compensation. This depends on spending habits and the impact of alleged price manipulation.
| Law Firm | Estimated Compensation Range | Eligible Claim Period |
|---|---|---|
| Gerard Malouf & Partners | $200 to over $1,300 | September 2021 to May 2023 |
| Carter Capner Law | $2,000 to $5,000 | February 2022 to May 2023 |
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To get the cash handout, shoppers must prove they bought items during specific campaigns. These include “Prices Dropped” or “Down Down” at Coles or Woolworths. The eligible period is February 2022 to May 2023.
Thousands of Australians are joining the fight for fair compensation. The potential money payments could provide relief to affected families. This government benefit aims to protect consumer rights.
Australians are waiting for the outcome of these lawsuits. They hope for a resolution that ensures transparency in retail practices. The possible household cash payment could help many families affected by these pricing practices.
ACCC’s Role in the Investigation
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is investigating Coles and Woolworths for alleged deceptive pricing. They claim these supermarkets inflated prices by 15% before offering “discounts”. This practice affected millions of products, potentially violating Australian Consumer Law.
The ACCC aims to protect consumer rights and ensure fair competition. Their investigation will determine if these pricing strategies misled shoppers about the true nature of discounts.
The ACCC has substantial financial resources to support its regulatory efforts. In 2014-15, their total resources were estimated at $173,433,000. They received an additional $17,705,000 in the 2017-18 budget to boost investigative capabilities.
The commission can grant exemptions from competition laws when necessary. This allows competitors to work together on business continuity or funding arrangements. The ACCC’s flexibility helps maintain oversight while responding to market conditions.
Recent decisions, like the merger authorisation for Linfox Armaguard and Prosegur Australia, show the ACCC’s commitment. They strive to create a fair business environment for companies and consumers alike.
Alleged Deceptive Pricing Practices at Coles and Woolworths
The ACCC is investigating Coles and Woolworths for alleged deceptive pricing practices. The watchdog claims these supermarket giants misled customers about product pricing, violating Australian Consumer Law.
Prices Dropped and Down Down Campaign Investigation
Woolworths allegedly misled customers on 266 products over 20 months. Coles is accused of similar practices for 245 products over 15 months.
The investigation covers Coles purchases from February 2022 to May 2023. For Woolworths, it spans from September 2021 to May 2023.
Impact on Australian Consumers
Consumers might have paid inflated prices for supposedly discounted products. This has made it harder for families to manage rising costs.
Shoppers could be entitled to refunds between $200 and $1,300-plus. The amount depends on their shopping habits at Coles and Woolworths.
| Supermarket | Market Share | Investigation Period |
|---|---|---|
| Coles | 33% | February 2022 – May 2023 |
| Woolworths | 34% | September 2021 – May 2023 |
Violation of Australian Consumer Law
The alleged deceptive practices have influenced the 2024 Word of the Year. This reflects public anger towards rising food prices and supermarket profits.
A survey found shoppers struggled to identify genuine discounts at major supermarkets. The ACCC’s final report, due February 28, will address these issues.
The report aims to ensure a fair cash boost for affected consumers. It will provide findings and recommendations to tackle perceived harms.
$1300 Cash Boost: Possible Compensation Details
Coles and Woolworths shoppers might get a $1300 cash boost. This applies to purchases of “Priced Dropped” or “Down Down” products from February 2022 to May 2023. The payout depends on spending and the impact of alleged deceptive pricing.
Interested consumers can register for the class actions on specific websites. These lawsuits aim to recover money lost from claimed false discounts. They also seek to provide financial relief to Australian families during tough times.
If successful, the cash boost could help low-income households. It might ease the burden of rising living costs. The lawsuits want to hold supermarkets accountable for alleged deceptive pricing practices.
FAQ
Who is eligible for compensation in the class action lawsuits against Coles and Woolworths?
How much compensation can affected consumers expect from the class action lawsuits?
FAQ
Who is eligible for compensation in the class action lawsuits against Coles and Woolworths?
Shoppers who bought “Priced Dropped” or “Down Down” products at Coles or Woolworths between February 2022 and May 2023 may be eligible. Compensation depends on spending and the impact of deceptive pricing.
How much compensation can affected consumers expect from the class action lawsuits?
Gerard Malouf & Partners estimates compensation from $200 to over $1,300 per person. Carter Capner Law suggests households could claim between $2,000 and $5,000. Payouts vary based on spending and pricing impacts.
What were the alleged deceptive pricing practices by Coles and Woolworths?
The ACCC claims Coles and Woolworths inflated some product prices by at least 15%. This happened while purchase prices stayed steady for six months to a year.
The products were then allegedly moved to ongoing discount promotions like “Prices Dropped” and “Down Down”.
How can consumers register their interest in the class action lawsuits?
Consumers can visit the websites for Coles and Woolworths lawsuits set up by the handling law firms. These firms are Gerard Malouf & Partners and Carter Capner Law.
What is the purpose of these class action lawsuits against Coles and Woolworths?
The lawsuits aim to secure financial redress for misled consumers and recover money lost due to false discounts. They seek to provide relief to affected Australian families and safeguard consumer rights.
The actions also demand transparency in retail practices.
,300 per person. Carter Capner Law suggests households could claim between ,000 and ,000. Payouts vary based on spending and pricing impacts.
What were the alleged deceptive pricing practices by Coles and Woolworths?
The ACCC claims Coles and Woolworths inflated some product prices by at least 15%. This happened while purchase prices stayed steady for six months to a year.
The products were then allegedly moved to ongoing discount promotions like “Prices Dropped” and “Down Down”.
How can consumers register their interest in the class action lawsuits?
Consumers can visit the websites for Coles and Woolworths lawsuits set up by the handling law firms. These firms are Gerard Malouf & Partners and Carter Capner Law.
What is the purpose of these class action lawsuits against Coles and Woolworths?
The lawsuits aim to secure financial redress for misled consumers and recover money lost due to false discounts. They seek to provide relief to affected Australian families and safeguard consumer rights.
The actions also demand transparency in retail practices.
