The UK’s Office of Fair Trading today (16 October) launched two probes into price promotions – with particular emphasis on the online channel.
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One investigation is set to focus on what the watchdog called “behavioural advertising and customised pricing” – tactics used by online retailers by looking at a consumer’s internet use.
The second probe will look at promotions across a wider range of retailers, including time-limited offers and the use of “complex pricing” – for example, ‘three-for-two’ offers.
OFT senior director Heather Clayton said: “‘It is very important that the OFT’s approach to potentially misleading practices remains well-informed by a sound evidence base, so we effectively protect consumers while allowing firms to compete freely.”

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