The Competition and Markets Authority has published a follow-up report on a super-complaint by Which? concerning allegedly misleading grocery promotions. As a result, a number of supermarkets are being asked to “engage with” Trading Standards. Jamie Heatly reports.
A consumer was unable to find an Argos outlet with stock of a promoted laptop. The ensuing ASA investigation focused on whether Argos had made suitable arrangements to satisfy anticipated demand. Daisy Jones reports.
“Brand new Astras from £9995” said radio commercial references between 15 and 30 September 2015. But a potential customer contacted the dealer on 29 September and was told the offer had ended. Chloe Dumoulin-Richet reports.
Sainsbury’s challenges Tesco “Never pay more for your branded shop” campaign CAP’s copy team had cleared it, but was Tesco’s offer to refund the difference if a basket of non “own brand” products was cheaper at Asda, Morrisons or Sainsbury’s misleading? Chloe Deng reports
Website winningmomentsonline offered tickets for a theatre-themed hen party as prizes in a promotion. The ASA received a complaint that the winners had in fact been selected at random by the promoter’s employees. Was this a problem? Daisy Jones reports.
A Travel Republic competition offered prizes for videos showing the entrants who were quickest at packing their suitcase with 20 items. A complaint was made to the ASA after the closing date was extended and entry requirements “clarified.” Daisy Jones reports.
Following mounting criticism of the current, 2010-published BIS Pricing Practices Guide, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute is consulting on proposed new guidance following input from the Competition and Markets Authority and Which? Claire Temple reports
“Only one entry per person” said one part of the rules for a joint Harrods/Condé Nast “Put the Harrods Green Man on the map” prize promotion. But another part allowed multiple entries. Which was right? Cue complaints to the ASA. Jude King reports.
Recently there have been two changes to laws impacting French prize draws and competitions. Will they make life easier for marketers looking to run compliant promotions in France? Claire Bouchenard reports from Osborne Clarke Paris
A Magnum icecream competition run jointly with Asos across social media platforms and selected websites offered a “Henry Holland dress worth £5000” to 25 lucky winners. Two disappointed winners complained. Fiona Schneider reports the lessons.
Following a consultation in which they got an underwhelming ten responses, the Committee of Advertising Practice has published “Amended rules on sales promotions.” What are the key changes? Daisy Jones reports.
The Groceries Code Adjudicator (Permitted Maximum Financial Penalty) Order 2015 now allows breaches of the Code to be punished with a penalty of up to 1% of applicable turnover. What is the relevance for marketers? Chloe Deng reports.
