Australia's Federal Court ruled Coles misled shoppers by hiking prices before 'Down Down' promotions. Coles shares fell 2.7% and Woolworths slid 1.9% awaiting a parallel verdict. The decision effectively establishes a 12-week pre-markdown price benchmark, reshaping promo mechanics across Australian retail.

Inside Retail Asia · 5/15/2026, 2:21:44 AM

Australia's Federal Court ruled Coles misled shoppers, finding 13 of 14 sample 'Down Down' products didn't reflect genuine discounts across 245 products and 255 promotions. Penalties pending with up to $50M per contravention exposure. Parallel Woolworths 'Prices Dropped' verdict looms, reshaping grocery price-promo playbooks.

Inside Retail Australia · 5/15/2026, 2:12:54 AM

Federal Budget locks in the $20,000 instant asset write-off for sub-$10M turnover SMEs, cuts $10.2B in regulatory burden, and steers ACCC scrutiny toward offshore e-commerce players Shein and Temu. ARA and COSBOA welcomed the moves but pressed for deeper competitiveness reforms.

Inside Retail Australia · 5/15/2026, 2:11:17 AM

Australia's Federal Court found Coles' flagship 'Down Down' campaign deceived consumers, with 13 of 14 promotions failing the genuine-discount test. The ruling effectively establishes a 12-week pricing benchmark for the sector, sent Coles shares down 2.7% and Woolworths off 1.9%, and strengthens a parallel class action led by GMP Law.

Inside Retail Australia · 5/15/2026, 2:09:34 AM