Fashion discounts probed

Poland’s competition and consumer watchdog UOKiK has launched proceedings against the online stores of H&M and Peek & Cloppenburg over the way they advertised discounts to shoppers. Regulators allege the retailers either failed to display the lowest price from the previous 30 days — a legal requirement under EU consumer rules — or presented the information in a misleading manner. 

In the case of Peek & Cloppenburg, UOKiK also questioned whether some promotions were genuine at all. The investigation matters beyond fashion retail because Poland has become increasingly aggressive in policing e-commerce pricing practices, especially loyalty-programme discounts and flash promotions. Companies found guilty could face penalties of up to 10 percent of annual turnover.