A Competition Bureau investigation concluded that The Dufresne Group Inc. (TDG) and its affiliates, better known for their retail brands Dufresne Furniture and Appliances and certain Ashley HomeStores, offered certain products at inflated regular prices and then advertised them at big discounts, suggesting significant savings to consumers.
The Bureau also found that they made marketing claims to consumers that gave the false or misleading impression that deals on certain products would no longer be available after a certain time, when this was not the case. For example, the deal was still available after a countdown timer expired.
The companies made both types of claims on their websites, in-store and via various advertising channels.
The Bureau acknowledges TDG's voluntary cooperation in resolving this matter.
As part of this settlement, The Dufresne Group Inc., and its affiliates (TDG Furniture Inc., DFA Operations Inc., DF Swan Ltd. and Furniture Investment Group Inc.) agree to:
- pay a $3.25 million penalty and $100,000 towards the Competition Bureau's costs to resolve concerns over their marketing practices in Canada
- commit to have their marketing practices comply with the Competition Act
- establish and maintain a corporate compliance program to promote compliance with the law
