Published
Feb 23, 2017
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Hudson's Bay in hot water over alleged deceptive prices

Published
Feb 23, 2017

Canada's competition watchdog is suing the Hudson's Bay (HBC) for allegedly engaging in deceptive pricing practices.
 
The Competition Bureau filed an application to the Competition Tribunal this week claiming HBC engaged in deceptive marketing practices concerning the sale of mattresses and box springs sold together as sleep sets, since at least March 2013.

Hudson's Bay in hot water over alleged deceptive pricing practices. - Reuters

 
The Bureau says that HBC offered “sleep sets at grossly inflated regular prices” and then advertised significant discounts on these prices to consumers. HBC is also being accused of misleading consumers into thinking that it was selling its remaining on-hand inventory during "clearance" and "end of line" promotions, when they were actually ordering new items.
 
"Today's application to the Competition Tribunal is about providing consumers with accurate and truthful information when making purchasing decisions. Savings claims must always reflect real discounts,” said John Pecman, Commissioner of Competition, in a news statement.

According to the Canadian Press, HBC is denying the accusations and intend to file a response to the bureau's notice of application.
 
The Competition Tribunal is asking the retailer to pay an administrative monetary penalty. 

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