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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Business
Catie McLeod Consumer affairs reporter

Coles offered ‘utterly misleading’ discounts, consumer watchdog argues in federal court case

Coles shopfront
Coles will defend the ACCC’s allegations in federal court by arguing the changes in pricing were a response to increased costs from suppliers. Photograph: Hollie Adams/Reuters

Coles disguised price increases on at least 245 products by offering discounts that were “literally true” but also “utterly misleading”, the competition regulator has argued at the beginning of a high-profile court case.

A federal court battle between the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Coles began on Monday, testing allegations the supermarket breached the law by offering “illusory” discounts on many everyday products.

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