Watchdog to investigate mattress firm Simba over pricing tactics
The Competition and Markets Authority said it will examine whether the firm has ‘misled consumers about price reductions’.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The competition regulator has launched a probe into mattress seller Simba Sleep amid concerns its could be misleading shoppers with price reduction claims.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it will examine whether the firm has “misled consumers about price reductions and put unfair pressure on consumers to make quick purchases”.
It comes after the watchdog called on firms earlier this year to stop using sales practices which could break consumer laws by putting “undue pressure” on potential shoppers.
The CMA said on Friday that the probe will focus on claims by Simba related to the extent of price reductions on its mattresses and other products.
It will also look at the use of selling tactics such as countdown times which the regulator claimed “may mislead consumers on the availability of special offers”.
In July, the CMA called on bed-in-a-box brand Emma Sleep to change its online sales practices or face potential court action, amid concerns over potential pressure selling.
Last month, it also asked online deals website Wowcher to stop using pressure selling tactics “to avoid the risk of court action”.
Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: “Discounts are a great way for firms to attract customers, but they must represent a real saving.
“We’re concerned that firms in the mattress sector and perhaps more widely could be using price reduction claims in a way that could mislead shoppers.
“We’ve given Simba Sleep notice that we have launched a consumer investigation into its potentially misleading sales practices.
“Other companies in the mattress sector and across the online economy should take the opportunity to look at their own practices to ensure the way they do business stays within the law.”