The Development Ministry imposed fines Monday totaling €610,000 on four companies found to have engaged in misleading advertising in the run-up to Black Friday sales on November 29.
These companies are among a total of 14 found to have violated market rules ahead of the discount day. The business’ evasive practices were identified by the ministry’s auditing service using a digital tool.
A.X.F., a women’s fashion chain, was issued a fine of €400,000; ToFarmakeioMou, an online pharmacy, was handed a €100,000 fine; while Pharmacy Discount, also an online pharmacy, and Trade Status, a baby and children’s wear company, each face €55,000 fines.
The business names of other offenders will be announced once the companies have been notified of their violations, the Development Ministry said.
In accordance with legal requirements, two of these companies found to have broken market discount rules will not be disclosed as their fines are both below €50,000.
Overall, the 14 offenders face fines totaling €2.2 million. An initial list of five offenders was disclosed on November 29: Kosmos Sport SA (€500,000 fine); Attica Department Stores (€400,000), La Vie en Rose (€300,000), Notos Com Participation (€200,000) and Sneakers Market (€55,000).
The ministry has underlined that inspections are continuing to protect consumers and support robust entrepreneurship.