Brown Thomas Arnotts pleads guilty to sales pricing breaches

Following a prosecution brought by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), Brown Thomas Arnotts Ltd pleaded guilty yesterday in Dublin District Court to breaking sales pricing laws. 

The department store group which operates several prominent stores including on Grafton Street and Henry Street in Dublin, as well as in Dundrum, Blanchardstown, Cork, Limerick, Galway and online, was ordered by Judge Michael Ramsey to pay €1,000 to the Little Flower Penny Dinners charity and to pay costs to the CCPC.

Upon payment by 16 March 2026, the matter will be struck out. If Brown Thomas Arnotts default in making these payments within the time allowed, they will have to pay a fine of €1,000 within three months.

The prosecution was brought by the CCPC following online sweeps conducted between October and December 2024, including during the Black Friday sales period.

This case forms part of a series of prosecutions brought by the consumer watchdog under sales pricing laws introduced in 2022. In 2025, Lifestyle Sports, DID Electrical, Rathwood and Boots also pleaded guilty to breaking sales pricing laws.

Under the law, traders must base any discount on the lowest price in at least the previous 30 days, and must display this prior price clearly on any price tag or advertisement.

Patrick Kenny, Commission Member at the CCPC (pictured above), said:  “Today marks another important outcome for the CCPC in ensuring consumers can shop with confidence, and that retailers can compete fairly on a level playing field.

“It is crucial that businesses are transparent on pricing, and the CCPC will not allow traders to mislead consumers into thinking they are getting a better deal than they actually are.

“Consumers have a legal right to clear, transparent pricing, knowing that the price they see is the price they’ll pay.

“This is particularly important during time pressured sales periods, when consumers are making quick purchasing decisions, trusting that the price displayed is accurate and the stated discount represents a genuine reduction on the prior price.

“While we continue to support businesses to understand and meet their obligations, we have always been clear that where we suspect businesses are breaking the law, we can and will take enforcement action, up to and including prosecution.”

The case was heard today by Judge Michael Ramsey in Court 8 of the Dublin Metropolitan District.

For information on pricing and consumer rights, visit ?Pricing – CCPC Consumers. Information for businesses on pricing and their legal obligations is available