The Good Guys Fined for Misleading Advertising in Landmark ACCC Case
In a significant ruling handed down on September 8, 2025, the Federal Court of Australia has ordered The Good Guys Discount Warehouses (Australia) Pty Ltd to pay penalties for making misleading representations about its pricing and discount strategies. The case, brought by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), highlights the ongoing vigilance of consumer protection agencies in ensuring fair advertising practices.
The Federal Court found that The Good Guys engaged in conduct that contravened Australian Consumer Law by making false or misleading representations about the nature of discounts and price reductions offered on its products. Specifically, the Court determined that certain advertised “savings” were not genuine, leading consumers to believe they were receiving a better deal than was actually the case.
This judgment serves as a crucial reminder to retailers across Australia of their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law. Consumers are entitled to accurate and truthful information when making purchasing decisions, and advertising that creates a false impression of value can have serious consequences for both businesses and the marketplace.
The ACCC, in its role as the nation’s consumer watchdog, has consistently emphasized the importance of transparency in pricing. By taking action against The Good Guys, the ACCC aims to deter other businesses from engaging in similar misleading conduct and to reinforce consumer confidence in the retail sector.
While the exact penalty amount is detailed in the judgment [2025] FCA 1085, the outcome underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Court treats breaches of consumer protection laws. This case is expected to set a precedent and encourage greater diligence in advertising compliance by all businesses operating in Australia. Consumers can be assured that agencies like the ACCC are actively working to protect their interests and ensure a fair and competitive marketplace.
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judgments.fedcourt.gov.au published ‘Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v The Good Guys Discount Warehouses (Australia) Pty Ltd [2025] FCA 1085’ at 202 5-09-08 16:08. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.