Arnotts website reprimanded over incorrect information

Competition commission orders company to change instructions on consumers’ rights

Arnotts department store in Dublin. File photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Arnotts department store in Dublin. File photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times

Arnotts has been rapped over the knuckles by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CPCC) for giving users of its online shopping service incorrect information on returns.

Following a review of information on the website, the commission determined that consumers buying online were not given the correct information on their right to cancel orders or return goods.

The commission’s action relates specifically to the European Union’s Consumer Rights Directive.

This legislation gives consumers a cooling off period when buying goods online, during which they have the right to cancel an order for any reason.

For products bought online, the cooling off period extends to 14-days after the goods are received.

Cancellation rights

Under this legislation, traders are also obliged to provide information to consumers about their cancellation rights before they make a purchase.

The commission issued a compliance notice directing the company to amend the information provided to consumers in this regard.

Following the action, Arnotts agreed to correct all relevant sections of their website advising consumers of their legal rights, should they wish to cancel/return goods.

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