In 2003 Harris Scarfe advertised sales promotions in its regular catalogues and made claims particularly relating to “SAVE $X” and “AFTER THE SALE $X”.
In the case of some items an erroneous formula was used to calculate the alleged saving, and in others the item did not revert to a higher price as claimed, thereby exaggerating the nature of the saving during the sale period.
Harris Scarfe admitted this may have misled consumers in breach of ss. 52 and 53(e) and published a public apology in 9 newspapers in SA VIC and TAS.
Further, Harris Scarfe implemented a compliance program which was subject to external audit over 3 years.
