The Commerce Commission has filed 45 charges in Auckland District Court against Bunnings (NZ) Limited alleging it misled consumers by advertising the prices of its goods as being the lowest in the market.

The Commission alleges that Bunnings’ advertising at its stores nationwide along with advertising campaigns on television, radio, online, and in newspapers and catalogues gave an overall impression that it offered the lowest prices for its products, when this was not true.

The Commission’s investigation focused on the period 1 July 2014 to 28 February 2016.

As this is case is before the Court, the Commission cannot comment any further at this time. The matter will be called in the District Court for the first time on 7 March 2017.

Background

Bunnings is a duly incorporated company with its registered head office in Auckland. Its ultimate parent company is the Australian company Wesfarmers Limited, which also owns Coles, Target, K-Mart and Officeworks.

Bunnings is one of New Zealand’s largest retailers, selling home improvement, outdoor living and general merchandise products. It has 46 retail stores nationwide, all of which it owns and operates. It employs 3,700 staff and stores stock on average 46,000 product lines.