The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) announced it has launched proceedings against a number of retailers active in the electrical, cosmetics, furniture, and clothing and footwear sectors.

The decision follows online sweeps conducted over the 2023-2024 winter sales season, including Black Friday and January sales.

A number of other traders have been interviewed under caution, and further prosecutions are expected to follow.

Brian McHugh, chairperson of the CCPC, said: “The CCPC carried out a large number of sales pricing inspections over the Black Friday and winter sales periods last year, looking at both online and in-store pricing.

“Our inspectors saw many excellent examples of accurate sales pricing and sales communications, however, we also identified retailers where there was significant and widespread breaches of the law.

“Those traders are now being prosecuted by the CCPC, with the first wave of cases due before the courts in January.”

He added: “Ultimately, misleading sale discounts harm consumers and harm competition. Businesses need to able to compete for consumers openly and honestly on price.”