CMA to investigate mattress firm Simba over sales practices

The Competition and Markets Authority said on Friday that it was launching an investigation into mattress seller Simba Sleep to examine whether it has misled consumers about price cuts and put pressure on them to make quick purchases.

The watchdog will look into Simba’s use of potentially misleading claims about the extent of price reductions on its mattresses and related products, and the use of urgency claims such as countdown timers that may mislead consumers on the availability of special offers.

CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said: "It’s important shoppers can recognise a genuinely good deal, especially as the cost of living hits people’s pockets. More and more of us are buying online so it’s essential companies are being upfront and honest about claims they make about price reductions or when using countdown clocks that may pressure people into making quick decisions.

"Discounts are a great way for firms to attract customers, but they must represent a real saving. We’re concerned that firms in the mattress sector and perhaps more widely could be using price reduction claims in a way that could mislead shoppers."

The CMA has given Simba Sleep notice that it has launched a consumer investigation.

"Other companies in the mattress sector, and across the online economy should take the opportunity to look at their own practices to ensure the way they do business stays within the law," it said.