Furniture Chain Cancels Rebate Promotion to Resolve Competition Bureau Concerns

OTTAWA, March 26, 2009 — The Competition Bureau announced today that The Brick Warehouse LP (“The Brick”) has agreed to immediately cancel all advertising concerning a national mail-in rebate promotion on art products, and offer compensation to customers eligible for the rebate.

The Brick advertised an $80 mail-in rebate on the purchase of art, giving the impression consumers would receive a rebate in the form of cash or a cheque. In fact, the consumer would be mailed a gift certificate to be used towards a future purchase at The Brick. This raised concerns under the misleading representations provisions of the Competition Act.

“During these tough economic times, consumers look at getting their money’s worth,” said Andrea Rosen, Deputy Commissioner of Competition. “To ensure that consumers are well informed when purchasing products, advertisers need to remember to clearly indicate any limitations or exclusions in their advertisements.”

After being informed of the Bureau’s concerns, The Brick voluntarily agreed to provide consumers who made purchases under the rebate promotion with an $80 rebate cheque, instead of an $80 gift certificate. It also agreed to post notices in its stores and on its Web site informing customers of the cancellation, and remove all in-store signage referring to the promotion.

“The Bureau regularly monitors the marketplace to ensure truth in advertising and we are pleased that The Brick chose to rectify the problem immediately,” added Ms. Rosen.

The Competition Bureau is an independent agency that contributes to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.

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