Retail Goods Bait and Switch Selling, and Ordinary Price Representations

The Competition Bureau received complaints that a large retailer was engaging in bait and switch selling contrary to the Deceptive Marketing Practices provisions of the Competition Act. An inquiry was commenced on May 14, 2001 and later expanded on May 27, 2002, to include reviewable conduct under the ordinary price provisions of the Act.

The allegations were discussed with company officials who provided a large amount of information voluntarily. After reviewing the information, the Bureau found that the evidence was not sufficiently compelling to warrant further action.

The inquiry was discontinued on February 18, 2003.

(108632)