The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a draft determination proposing to grant authorisation to Myer to enable it to continue to invite concession businesses operating within Myer Stores to participate in its various promotions.
Concession businesses license or rent floor space from Myer. These 'stores within stores' display and sell only the brand of product promoted and sold by the relevant concession business and are operated independently of Myer.
"The ACCC considers that the arrangements will result in a significant public benefit in the form of reduced prices for consumers by facilitating the participation of concession businesses in periodic sales and through the simplification of Myer promotions," ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said.
The ACCC's draft determination will be available from the ACCC website, www.accc.gov.au.
The ACCC is seeking submissions from interested parties in relation to its draft determination. Submissions can be made to: The General Manager, Adjudication Branch, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, GPO Box 3131, Canberra, ACT, 2601. Submissions can also be lodged by fax on (02) 6243 1121 or by email to: adjudication@accc.gov.au.
*Authorisation provides protection from court action for conduct or arrangements that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974. Authorisation is granted where the ACCC is satisfied that the benefit to the public from the conduct outweighs any public detriment. A party to whom authorisation had been granted may also apply to the ACCC for a minor variation of that authorisation.
