Gerard Malouf & Partners (GMP Law), a leading consumer protection and personal injury law firm, has lodged class action lawsuits against Coles and Woolworths, Australia’s largest supermarket chains, for allegedly promoting misleading discount claims on everyday products.
“These class actions, filed in response to recent findings by the ACCC, aim to secure financial redress for Australians who may have been misled by the supposed discounts,” GMP Law said.
GMP Law’s class action is unique from the ACCC proceedings, which seek penalties but offer no direct consumer refunds. This action focuses solely on winning back the difference between the advertised ‘discounted’ prices and the real prices for hundreds of commonly purchased products at Coles between February 2022 and May 2023, and at Woolworths between September 2021 and May 2023.
Chairman Gerard Malouf said, “We estimate that the average Australian consumer could be eligible for a refund ranging between $200 and $1,300+, depending on their shopping habits and purchases at these retailers. We believe this class action is an essential move toward safeguarding consumer rights and demanding transparency in retail practices Australia-wide.”
“GMP Law is committed to holding these retailers accountable and will be seeking refunds for affected consumers. The proposed legal action aims to recover the price differential between the alleged illusory discounted pricing and the original, undiscounted price.”
Coles Group Limited has been notified that class action proceedings have been commenced in the Federal Court of Australia against Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd by Gerard Malouf & Partners.
The class action relates to allegations which are the subject of proceedings commenced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) against Coles in September 2024. Coles announced on 23 September 2024 that it is defending the ACCC proceedings, and also intends to defend the proceedings commenced by Gerard Malouf & Partners.
Woolworths Group has also been notified that class action proceedings have been commenced in the Federal Court of Australia against Woolworths Group Limited by Gerard Malouf & Partners. Woolworths Group also intends to defend the class action proceedings.