The Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) has launched a competition supervision proceeding against Auchan Magyarország Kft., suspecting that the retail chain engaged in unfair commercial practices in connection with its coupon promotions over a period of nearly one year, potentially misleading consumers.
According to GVH’s preliminary findings, between April 1, 2024, and February 12, 2025, Auchan advertised various coupon promotions granting discounts, including through nationwide television channels. However, GVH suspects that the company failed to disclose important conditions for obtaining and using the coupons. Such conditions included meeting a minimum purchase threshold and holding an active “Bizalomkártya” (Loyalty Card).
GVH indicated that the omission of these conditions may have prevented consumers from receiving clear and complete information about the terms of the promotions. The authority emphasized that the launch of a competition supervision proceeding does not in itself constitute a finding of infringement; the procedure aims to clarify the facts and determine whether the suspected violation occurred. The standard timeframe for the investigation is three months, which may be extended twice, by up to two months each, if justified.
The GVH also reminded that under the Competition Act, the period between a request for data necessary to establish the facts and the submission of such data by the company does not count toward the official time limit for the proceeding.
In connection with the case, GVH drew attention to the importance of transparent communication in advertising. Businesses must ensure that consumers are clearly and fully informed of all conditions relating to discounts and promotions. The authority stressed that advertisers cannot rely on the assumption that consumers will read small-print disclaimers, especially when the format of the advertisement makes them unlikely to do so.
