United Carpets and Floors2go change their pricing practices after OFT investigation
United Carpets and Floors2go have agreed to change their pricing practices following an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading,
In a statement, the OFT said that United Carpets had signed an undertaking that committed it to ensuring that its advertised recommended retail prices were genuine and were those at which the products were typically sold throughout the year.
The retailer has also committed to refrain from using time-sensitive promotions such as ‘closing down sale’ or ‘closing down for refurbishment’ without giving consumers clear information and an explanation of the circumstances of the promotion.
Meanwhile Nixon & Hope has agreed to change its practices after its Floors2go website was found to be advertising products at an initial square metre price which excluded VAT. The OFT said it also found that some claimed savings were incorrect.
Nixon & Hope has now amended its website to ensure any percentage savings claims are accurate. It has also committed to amend its website further so that selling prices are shown to include VAT. The OFT said the change would be completed in February.
Gaucho Rasmussen, OFT director, goods and consumer group, said: “Shoppers rely upon clear, honest and upfront advertising of prices. When retailers advertise misleading prices or promotions, consumers often make different purchases – or spend more money – than they otherwise might have done. We therefore welcome the changes that United Carpets and Nixon & Hope have made, and agreed to make, to their pricing and marketing strategies.
“When buying big ticket items, consumers should always shop around and check that the price they are paying represents value for money.”
