Discount Class Action Creates New Headache for Grocery Giants

Woolworths and Coles are facing class action lawsuits alleging deceptive practices in their promotions of everyday products.

Gerard Malouf and Partners have filed two class action suits in the Federal Court, accusing the supermarket giants of breaching Australian consumer law through misleading discounts on numerous items.

Both Coles and Woolworths have declared their intention to defend themselves against the class actions in statements to shareholders on Nov. 15.

Woolworths Group stated, “Woolworths Group intends to defend the class action proceedings,” on the ASX.

These new lawsuits come after legal action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) against both supermarket chains.

Coles stated, “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,” in their announcement.