Consumer Group Reports Potential Law Breaking to CMA
- Sports Direct accused of misleading pricing practices by Which?
- Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reports Sports Direct
- RRPs found to be potentially misleading
- Frasers Group owns multiple brands and retailers
- Slazenger men’s tennis shoes example: £32.99 on SportsDirect.com, £64.99 MSRP
Which? has accused Sports Direct of misleading pricing practices, reporting the company to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The consumer group found recommended retail prices on the website that seem deceptive, as they couldn’t find the products at those prices elsewhere online. This could lead customers to believe they are getting a better deal than they actually are. Frasers Group, Sports Direct’s parent company, owns multiple brands like USC, Slazenger, and Karrimor. A pair of Slazenger men’s tennis shoes was listed at £32.99 on SportsDirect.com, nearly half the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of £64.99. Which? found them for sale on eight other websites with the same prices from parent company sellers. Only one retailer, Slazenger itself, sold them at the MSRP. A spokesperson believes these practices may be breaking the law.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about Sports Direct being reported to the CMA for alleged misleading pricing practices by Which?. It includes specific examples of products and their prices, and quotes from Which? regarding their concerns. However, it lacks a direct response or comment from Sports Direct, which could be considered as a minor limitation.
Noise Level: 4
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Sports Direct’s alleged misleading pricing practices and mentions an investigation by Which? However, it could provide more evidence or examples of such practices and a response from Sports Direct to balance the story.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Sports Direct’s alleged misleading pricing practices, which could potentially impact consumer trust and sales for the company. It mentions financial figures such as recommended retail prices (RRPs) and manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP).
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the text and it does not meet the criteria of an extreme event happening in the last 48 hours.
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