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.
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
15 Comments
Very glad to see this happening, but ”case of the century” is a very bold claim ABC.
I only buy shapes at $2/ box.
Looking forward to the “ACCC issues record $15 fine” post in a few months. That’ll teach em.
How could their reputation get any worse? Besides, they will just be slapped with a minor fine. Cost of doing business
Coles made $1.08 billion profit last year.
Im sure whatever fine they receive wont be a deterrent.
We use Morning Fresh to wash the dishes, it’s regularly “half price” at both Coles and Woolworths for $4.75, yet its regular shelf price at our local pharmacy is $6.25 and it’s obviously profitable at that price.
The Coles/Woolworths regular shelf price of $9.50 is transparently bogus.
Better make it hurt.. but we know they won’t/cant
The article doesn’t state which law the ACCC believes Coles has violated.
Anyone have any insight on this?
The legal case of the decade.
Update: Allan Fels calls it the case of the century.
Is that why Tim Tams are $3 right now? First time I’ve seen it in years
Question: i heard rumours about Palantir being used by coles and bunnings. Anyone know if that is true and also if woolies are using them?
Coles’ response will be “You don’t like our price cycle? Fine, no more cycle. Max price full time, only discount will be when we need to clear expiring stock. Enjoy.”
Why is it just Coles? Woolworths does the same thing…
This is really interesting, supermarkets in the UK are doing this and I felt they have inflated to decrease items. I wonder how they benchmark.
OT: does anyone buy crumpets at ‘full price’