Misleading conduct in Metro shops run by Peoples Trading Centre

• 

The Commission initiated investigations into trading practices by PTC following allegations that the price displays in Metro Shops in Lilongwe City Centre and Old Town were misleading. It was alleged that there were two price displays for most products sold in the two shops.

After investigations, the Commission established that Metro was providing discounted prices for bulky purchases without stating why the prices were different. Each product has two price tags – the first for single or unit purchases (normally higher) while the second was a reduced price for bulky purchases.

The Commission held that the displaying of two price tags for the same product was misleading, particularly because there was no justification provided. As such, the Commission ordered the Peoples Trading Centre to address the concerns and re-organise the price displays so that it is clear that the higher price is for unit purchases while the lower price was a discounted offer for bulky purchases.