Xmas cracker or consumer trap? Traders on notice |
The Christmas shopping rush has settled into its familiar rhythm.
Shopping centres packed at odd hours, parcels stacked on doorsteps, inboxes filling with discount codes and expiring offers.
For retailers, it is the most intense trading period of the year. For households, it is a constant calculation between generosity and budget.
Most businesses operate honestly. They advertise accurately and sell goods that meet Australian standards.
A few, however, rely on the rush itself – psychological pressure, questionable claims, unsafe products and the assumption that no one will stop to look too closely in the final weeks before Christmas.
This year, retailers have been put on notice that bad behaviour carries serious consequences.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has signalled that it will be actively looking for misconduct over the festive season.
Its focus is on false or misleading sales claims, fake discounts, pressure tactics that rush people into decisions and unsafe products.
These problems are not new, but the scale and speed of modern retail makes them easier to spread and........