Furniture chain Super A-Mart apologises after ACCC investigation

Furniture retailer Super A-Mart has been slapped by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission after three incidents that could have mislead customers.

In January 2007, Super A-Mart ran advertisements indicating it would clear all floor stock. However, some stock located on the floor was not available for sale.

In September 2007, an advertising campaign claimed some price reductions would only apply during the ‘Thursday Thumper Sale’.

But the ACCC found some of the discounted items were the same price before the sale and another item was made more expensive for the day of the sale.

The ACCC was also concerned the retailer was making unclear representations about its ‘no deposit interest-free’ payment option.

“The ACCC remains concerned about the potential for small print in advertising to mislead consumers, particularly when used with big bold promises that don’t adequately reveal important qualifications,” chairman Graeme Samuel said.

The retailer has promised to review the wording of its disclaimers. It must also organise a trade practices compliance law program and make public notices in its stores and on its websites acknowledging the instances in question.