Coles Supermarket Lied About Prices

May 14, 2026, 09:20
AustraliaOther

Introduction

A court in Australia says Coles lied to customers. Coles said prices were lower in their 'Down Down' sales, but they were not.

Main Body

Coles changed prices many times. First, they made prices high for four weeks. Then, they said the price was now 'low'. But the new price was still high. The judge said a price must stay the same for 12 weeks. Only then can a shop say the price is now lower. Coles did not do this. Coles said they did this because other shops did it. They also said things cost more to buy. The judge said this is not a good reason to lie to people.

Conclusion

Coles broke the law. Now the court will decide how much money Coles must pay as a fine.

Learning

🕒 The 'Time' Sequence

In this story, we see how to tell a story in the past using simple steps. To reach A2, you need to connect ideas in order.

The Logic:

  • First → (The start) First, they made prices high.
  • Then → (The next step) Then, they said the price was now low.
  • Now → (The current result) Now the court will decide.

💡 Simple Tip: When you describe a problem or a day at work, don't just use 'and'. Use First, Then, and Now to make your English sound organized.

Word Watch: 'Lied'

  • Lie (Present) →\rightarrow Lied (Past)
  • Example: He lies today →\rightarrow He lied yesterday.

Vocabulary Learning

court
A place where legal cases are decided.
Example:The court heard the case about the price changes.
judge
A person who decides a case in court.
Example:The judge said that the price must stay the same for 12 weeks.
customer
A person who buys goods or services.
Example:Coles lied to customers about the price of items.
price
The amount of money for something.
Example:The price of the apples was higher than before.
shop
A place where goods are sold.
Example:The shop announced that the price was now lower.
law
A rule made by a government that people must follow.
Example:Coles broke the law by changing the price too often.
fine
A sum of money paid as punishment for breaking a rule.
Example:The court will decide how much money Coles must pay as a fine.
money
Currency used to buy things.
Example:People use money to buy groceries at the supermarket.
break
To stop something from working or to violate a rule.
Example:The shop broke the law by not keeping the price stable.
high
Large in amount or level.
Example:The price was high for four weeks.
low
Small in amount or level.
Example:The shop said the price was now low.
change
To make something different.
Example:The shop changed the price many times.
week
A period of seven days.
Example:The judge said the price must stay the same for 12 weeks.
good
Something that is positive or beneficial.
Example:The judge said this is not a good reason to lie.
reason
An explanation for why something happens.
Example:The shop gave a reason that other shops did it.