Bait-and-Switch Alert: Trader Misled Consumers About Product Availability During Discounts

Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) has taken enforcement action against LLC “Nova”, a trader in the construction and renovation materials sector, for engaging in a bait-and-switch practice—an unfair commercial tactic that misled consumers during discount campaigns.

Following an investigation prompted by consumer reports, GCCA found that the trader failed to indicate product availability during active promotional periods clearly. Shoppers only became aware of stock shortages after the campaigns had ended, leaving them without access to the advertised discounts.

GCCA stressed that traders are legally required to:

• Provide consumers with clear and timely information about product stock during sales,

• And if real-time updates are not feasible, offer equivalent products at the same discounted price.

The Agency granted the trader one month to correct the violation, take corrective measures, and restore affected consumer rights. 

This action sends a strong signal that misleading sales tactics have no place in the Georgian market.