App discount
Because of app advertising: Consumer advocates complain against Rewe
Supermarket customers receive extra discounts if you use the dealers’ app – even at REWE. However, the Baden-Württemberg consumer center sees it critically how the company is doing.
Because of the discount advertising in the REWE app, the Baden-Württemberg Consumer Center has taken legal steps against the supermarket chain. A lawsuit had been filed before the Cologne Regional Court, said the head of the Recht, Gabriele Bernhardt, the German press agency.
In a specific case, it dealt with advertising for grapes and sparkling wine. Users of the REWE app can secure a bonus coupon when buying certain products, which they can redeem in future purchases. However, consumer advocates are bothered by the way this is shown for customers. In addition to the corresponding articles in the REWE app, the bonus specified as the euro amount is displayed – but not the price for the product that you have to buy for the coupon.
“We believe that the provider can withhold information from the consumer to make an informed decision. The consumer has to go to the market to find out the price,” said Bernhardt. However, customers would have to have all relevant information beforehand. Rewe is asked to refrain from advertising it in this way. When asked, the company said: “We ask for your understanding that we do not publicly comment on an ongoing procedure in advance.”
Also Lidl and Penny on the pillory
Already in January the Baden-Württemberg Consumer Center had acted against the discounter Lidl and Penny. It was complained that only prices for app users were listed in the advertising of products. However, prices for normal supermarket customers who do not use app were not specified. The consumer advocates saw this a violation of the pricing regulation.
In the apps, customers and retailers enter into an exchange store: the customer waves exclusive advantages when they register. Sometimes there are additional items on offer, sometimes there is an extra discount on reduced products. At best, the dealers receive loyal customers and their data. They help them understand what the buyers want. You can better respond to their individual preferences and, for example, apply certain products in the app and thus influence the buying behavior.
dpa
Source: Stern
