Consumer NZ received almost 300 examples of shady supermarket promotions from attentive shoppers as part of its drive to clean up supermarket pricing.

Woolworths, the owner of Countdown, has reportedly considered consumers’ concerns and declared it is working to improve its pricing practices.

“Woolworths also told us it has a clear and comprehensive refund policy,” said Jon Duffy, Consumer NZ’s chief executive. “If a customer is charged more than the price on the shelf – the customer can ask for a full refund for the item – and keep it free of charge.”

Foodstuffs, the operator of New World and Pak’n’Save, on the other hand, generally dismissed Consumer’s worries about its pricing practices.

According to Consumer NZ, Foodstuffs said the number of complaints it got about pricing and ticketing practices was modest in comparison to the number of transactions it performed. It accepted some ‘unintended consequences’ on ‘ticketing displays,’ but dismissed Consumer NZ’s complaints about systemic pricing problems.

In September, the watchdog requested public assistance in identifying misleading pricing. Foodstuffs has also been asked by the watchdog to adopt Countdown’s return policy to better resolve pricing problems when they occur.

In addition, the Commerce Commission urged supermarkets to take responsibility for making their pricing and promotional practices simple and easy to grasp.

Unfortunately, this proposal has not been enough to persuade supermarkets to take action and do the right thing.

“We have put the supermarkets on notice and now we’re asking New Zealanders to be our eyes and ears again,” Duffy added. 

“Next time you’re in the supermarket look out for misleading pricing and promotions. Send us photos of any examples, including receipts – together we can continue to hold the supermarkets to account.” 

Further reading: Woolworths to supply Circle K stores in New Zealand