A major class action lawsuit is currently underway in Australia, and it could lead to thousands of shoppers receiving a settlement payment of up to $1,300. The case, led by Gerard Malouf & Partners, targets two of the country’s largest supermarket chains — Woolworths and Coles — over deceptive pricing practices that allegedly misled customers between 2021 and 2023.
If you shopped at either of these chains during the investigation period and purchased items marked as “Price Dropped” or “Down Down,” you could be eligible for a payout.
What’s the Woolworths and Coles Class Action About
According to the legal claims, Woolworths and Coles falsely advertised discounts on hundreds of products. Rather than offering genuine savings, these items were often sold at a higher price than advertised or compared to earlier prices. The deceptive labels included phrases like “Prices Dropped” and “Down Down” — long-time slogans used in marketing campaigns.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has now opened formal investigations into both chains. The claims include:
- Misrepresentation of pricing and discounts
- Breach of Australian Consumer Law
- Economic harm caused to consumers
- Deceptive and misleading advertising practices
The lawsuit covers more than 266 Woolworths products over a 20-month period and 245 Coles products over 15 months.
Investigation Periods and Compensation Range
| Supermarket | Investigation Period | Compensation Range (AUD) | Products Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woolworths | February 2022 – May 2023 | $200 – $1,300 | 266 |
| Coles | September 2021 – May 2023 | $200 – $1,300 | 245 |
These numbers are based on early findings and may evolve as the case progresses.
Who Is Eligible for the $1300 Settlement Cash Boost
Not all shoppers will qualify, but if you meet the following criteria, you may be included in the class action:
- You made purchases from Woolworths or Coles either in-store or online
- Your purchase occurred between March 2022 and May 2023
- You bought items advertised with labels like “Prices Dropped” or “Down Down”
- You are an Australian resident
- You are not already part of a separate legal claim involving either company
It’s also important to retain any proof of purchase or transaction history from the time period, especially if you intend to submit a claim in the future.
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Claims Filed by Gerard Malouf & Partners
The lawsuit, structured into four key claims, alleges:
- Deceptive Pricing Practices: Misleading consumers about discounts that didn’t exist
- Breach of Australian Consumer Law: Violations that could lead to statutory penalties
- False Representation of Savings: Creating the illusion of discounts while increasing prices
- Economic Harm: Causing financial losses by inflating product prices under false pretense
Legal experts suggest this case could reshape pricing transparency laws in retail.
What the ACCC Says About the Investigation
The ACCC has launched parallel investigations into both Woolworths and Coles. According to their initial findings:
- Woolworths raised prices on over 266 items that were promoted as discounts
- Coles falsely advertised discounts on 245 products across various stores
- These pricing strategies may have misled millions of Australian consumers
Both companies deny wrongdoing but are cooperating with the investigation. Public response has been strong, with thousands of shoppers expressing frustration on social media and consumer forums.
How to Prepare If You’re Eligible
Although no official claims portal has opened yet, potential claimants are encouraged to:
- Save purchase receipts and digital invoices from Woolworths or Coles during the eligible time period
- Create an account on Gerard Malouf & Partners’ website for class action updates
- Monitor ACCC and government portals for official announcements
Payouts are expected to range from $200 to $1,300, depending on individual proof of purchase and participation in misleading promotions.
FAQs
Who can get the $1300 settlement cash boost in Australia?
Anyone who shopped at Woolworths or Coles between March 2022 and May 2023 and bought items labeled “Price Dropped” or “Down Down” may qualify.
How much compensation can I receive?
Eligible consumers may receive between $200 and $1,300 depending on the number and type of misleading purchases.
Do I need to apply now?
As of March 2025, no application portal has been opened. You should monitor official legal and government sites for updates.
What evidence should I keep?
Keep receipts, online order confirmations, loyalty card statements, and any screenshots showing product promotions during the eligible time frame.
Why are Woolworths and Coles being sued?
Both retailers are accused of raising prices while falsely advertising them as discounted. The case alleges deceptive marketing and breach of consumer law.
Is this the first lawsuit of its kind in Australia?
It is one of the largest grocery-related class actions in Australian history, potentially affecting millions of customers.
Can I be part of the class action if I shop online?
Yes, both in-store and online purchases qualify as long as they were made during the eligible time period and match the advertised claims.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.