Description:
An in-store window sign advertised a “buy one, get one free” promotion.
Complaint:
The complainant found the advertisement misleading as the advertiser refused to honour the promotion in-store, claiming it started the next day. The complainant noted that, as there was no start date indicated on the sign, the ad misrepresented their opportunity to benefit from the promotion.
Response:
In its response to Council, the advertiser advised that the window sign must have been put up a day early, due to an error from the employee or franchisee. The advertiser confirmed that all stores were instructed to put up the sign on the first day of the offer, which was not respected by this specific location.
Decision:
Council appreciated the advertiser’s response, and considered the complaint
together with the advertiser’s submission.
Given that the Code violation was obvious, and that the advertiser
acknowledged the advertisement had been mistakenly put up a day early, Council determined a debate of the complaint’s merits was not necessary and held that there was a violation of Clause 1(a) and (b) of the Code.
Infraction:
Clause 1(a) and (b)
