Coles is facing growing consumer outrage following a viral photo showing a misleading price tag. In one instance, a price tag displayed a “discounted” price of $12.50, while the regular price underneath was lower, causing frustration among shoppers who felt duped. This incident comes amid broader complaints about price hikes and deceptive pricing tactics.
Recent price increases, such as dishwashing tablets jumping from $33 to $64, further fuel accusations of manipulation. These practices have attracted attention from the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission), which is investigating potential consumer law violations.
There are growing calls for a class-action lawsuit from consumer advocates, who claim that major supermarkets, including Coles & Woolworths, have engaged in price gouging and misleading advertising. The ACCC inquiry, alongside demands for legal action, could lead to significant consequences for Coles and its pricing strategies.
