In a high-profile federal court case, a former manager at Coles, Rebecca Thompson, acknowledged that the supermarket breached its internal policies regarding the promotion of Arnott's Shapes snacks. The admission occurred during the third day of a trial concerning accusations by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that Coles engaged in deceptive pricing practices. The ACCC is claiming that Coles deliberately inflated prices temporarily to create the illusion of significant discounts, thus misleading consumers regarding the true value of their purchases.

The case has garnered significant attention, with the ACCC labeling it a "planned" operation aimed at misleading customers with what they refer to as "illusory" discounts. During the proceedings, legal counsel for the ACCC pressed Thompson on the promotional pricing strategies implemented for Arnott's Shapes, highlighting how the company mismanaged pricing information and failed to adhere to established promotional guidelines. Her admission of 'human error' raises questions on the accountability and oversight within large retail operations.

This trial not only poses potential legal consequences for Coles but also reflects broader issues in the retail industry regarding pricing transparency and consumer trust. As the court case continues, it could lead to stricter regulations and scrutiny on promotional practices among Australian retailers, particularly concerning how discounts and sales are communicated to shoppers.