Countdown's pricing strategies under investigation

The Commerce Commission is to investigate pricing strategies at the supermarket chain Countdown.

It's been forced into action after a Consumer New Zealand member noticed dog roll at Countdown in Lower Hutt marked as being on 'special' but with no saving on the original price.

In one case, a Consumer New Zealand member spotted a dog roll on 'special' - the only problem is, the 'special' wasn't saving any money off the retail price.

Countdown spokesman Luke Schepen says they haven't yet heard of the inquiry, but will be cooperating fully with the commission.

He says it's important customers don't feel misled over price.

Mr Schepen says the supermarket chain checked all products and found no issues.

Other similar examples have also been spotted.

Consumer CEO Sue Chetwin says the Commission is now looking into how widespread 'false specials' are.

She says Countdown has blamed the mistake on human error but there have also been other pricing irregularities reported to them.

Ms Chetwin says the inquiry will be good for the industry and for shoppers keen for some pricing transparency.

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