Retailer Faces Regulatory Action for Deceptive Promotions
- ASA warns Laura Ashley over misleading advertising
- Retailer must not use current ads again without proof of claims
- Future advertising must not make unsubstantiated savings claims
- Complainant claimed misleading promotional language
- ASA considered consumers would expect significant discounts on products
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has warned Laura Ashley that its misleading advertising emails, which offered specific savings, must not appear again in their current form unless the retailer can prove the claims. The ASA also said the company must ensure that future advertising does not make savings claims unless it can substantiate them against the usual selling price of the products. A complainant stated that they felt savings claims in the ads were misleading, featuring promotional language such as ‘up to 50% off* home’, ‘up to 70% off* fashion’, and ‘40% off* everything’. The ASA ruled that the ads ‘must not appear again in their current form’ and told Laura Ashley to ensure that future advertising does not make savings claims unless they can substantiate those claims against the usual selling price of the products. The advertising regulator also instructed them to ensure that significant conditions and exclusions of their offers are made clear.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the ASA’s warning to Laura Ashley regarding misleading advertising claims. It includes relevant details about the specific savings claims in question, the complainant’s concerns, and the ASA’s ruling. The article also presents Laura Ashley’s response and justifications for their actions. While it may not be a perfect 10 due to its brevity, it is factual and objective.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about a specific company’s misleading advertising practices and the actions taken by the Advertising Standards Authority. It does not contain any irrelevant or filler content, but it is focused on a single event and does not offer broader analysis or insights.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Laura Ashley
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a financial issue related to advertising claims made by Laura Ashley, which could impact the company’s reputation and sales. It does not directly mention any specific financial markets but focuses on the company’s marketing practices.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event in the text. The article discusses a regulatory action taken against Laura Ashley for misleading advertising practices.
www.retailsector.co.uk