CMA Launches Court Action Against Emma to Protect UK Consumers
25 October 2024
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched court action against online mattress retailer Emma, alleging that the company has engaged in unfair trading practices that could harm UK consumers.
The CMA’s investigation found that Emma has:
- Advertised mattresses with misleading claims about their quality and performance
- Failed to provide clear and transparent information about product features and delivery times
- Used pressure selling tactics to push consumers into unnecessary purchases
These practices, according to the CMA, violate UK consumer protection laws and may have misled or pressured consumers into buying mattresses that did not meet their needs or expectations.
“We are concerned that Emma’s practices have caused harm to consumers, who may have spent significant amounts of money on mattresses that were not as advertised,” said Sarah Cardell, CMA’s Senior Director of Consumer Protection. “We believe that court action is necessary to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in the online mattress market.”
Emma has denied the CMA’s allegations and has said that it is “committed to providing high-quality products and excellent customer service.” The company has also stated that it will “vigorously defend” itself against the court action.
The CMA’s investigation into Emma began in 2022 following complaints from consumers. The CMA has now filed a claim in the Competition Appeal Tribunal, which has the power to impose fines and other remedies if it finds that Emma has broken the law.
Consumers who believe they have been affected by Emma’s practices can contact the CMA’s Consumer Advice Line on 0808 223 1133 or report it online at citizensadvice.org.uk.
Additional Information
- The CMA is the UK’s competition and consumer authority. Its mission is to make markets work well for consumers, businesses, and the economy.
- The Online Mattress Market in the UK is estimated to be worth over £1 billion.
- Emma is one of the leading online mattress retailers in the UK, with a market share of over 10%.
- The CMA has the power to investigate suspected breaches of UK consumer protection laws.
- If found guilty, Emma could face fines of up to 10% of its annual turnover.
- The Competition Appeal Tribunal is a specialist court that hears cases involving competition and consumer law.
CMA launches court action against Emma to protect UK consumers
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