Coles

The competition regulator has opposed Coles Group's proposed acquisition of a leasehold interest in a Kalgoorlie supermarket and liquor store site, finding it would substantially lessen competition in the retail supply of groceries in the region.

Coles Group's proposed acquisition of a leasehold interest in a Kalgoorlie supermarket and liquor store site would substantially lessen competition in the retail supply of groceries in the region, the competition cop says.

Coles and Woolworths could face penalties of more than $10 million under new supermarket price-gouging laws that come into effect next week, and the ACCC says community concerns will guide its enforcement priorities. 

After it was found to have engaged in misleading conduct over its 'Down Down' discount campaign, Coles may face a single hearing on the punishment to be meted out to it in the ACCC's case and a companion class action.

Lawyers stuck inside by the dreary, cold weather have been keeping busy penning a slew of new suits targeting the likes of Coles, REA and Nine.

Woolworths has told a judge in an underpayments class action where its remediation costs could stretch to $330 million that sending a notice to group members reminding them to keep records would be “premature and potentially misleading”. 

A judge has found Coles engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct when advertising products with a 'Down Down' discount, in a win for the consumer regulator and a class action.

Coles, Woolworths, McDonald's and Hungry Jack's have denied underpaying employees in class actions over Sunday pay entitlements in South Australia, saying that if workers were underpaid, they can set off any amounts owed against mistaken overpayments.

A judge has criticised lawyers acting in underpayments cases against Coles and Woolworths for overly lengthy submissions and a lack of cooperation, saying the dispute has gone “off the rails”. 

Coles has told a court that its decision to change its discount policies was unsurprising during a period of significant inflation, denying claims by the ACCC that its ‘Down Down’ promotions were misleading.