Last week, diyweek.net reported that the OFT had begun an investigation into six retailers over their sales practices. Now, the names of those thought to be involved have been revealed.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is reported to have contacted Carpetright, DFS, Dreams, SCS, Furniture Village and Harveys/Bensons for Beds in relation to the investigation of reference pricing. However, it is not planning to officially disclose the names of the retailers.

Although they are being investigated, it is not certain that the retailers will be found to have broken the rules on sales promotions.

Carpetright said in a statement: "Carpetright received a letter from the Office of Fair Trading in respect of a consultation under Section 214 of the Enterprise Act 2002, relating to Carpetright's pricing practices and consumer protection legislation.

"There is no suggestion in the letter of Carpetright having behaved in a manner which breaches competition law."

The OFT investigation will assess whether the retailers were using reference pricing to mislead customers and encourage them to make on-the-spot purchases.