DFS cleared in OFT furniture pricing probe

The investigation, which began in August, is thought to have involved DFS, Carpetright, Dreams, SCS, Furniture Village and Harveys/Bensons for Beds.

The OFT sad it welcomed DFS’s confirmation of its commitment to “advertise the same prices across all their stores and online” and “1-1 pricing”, ensuring that promotional price periods are not longer than the prices are offered at normal price.

The OFT probe into the other parties’ practices is still ongoing.

DFS director of sales Keith Baker said: “We are pleased the OFT has publicly welcomed DFS’ existing and continual commitment to open and transparent pricing.

“As the UK’s market leading sofa retailer, customer service is paramount for DFS – it’s the foundation upon which we’ve built our business over the past 44 years. Central to this is the importance of treating customers fairly, in an open, honest way.

“We know buying a sofa requires a good deal of consideration and customers have a right to absolute clarity before making a purchase. That’s why we are committed to being totally transparent on pricing and act in accordance with all the relevant guidelines.”

Baker said the retailer was making its transparent pricing even more visible to customers by publishing its pricing practices on its website and its formal terms and conditions. He also reiterated that “a time-limited offer has always been just that”.

Baker said: “All this means customers can buy from DFS with confidence – confidence they will never be misled and can purchase from us safe in the knowledge that all our prices and sales periods are totally genuine.”