During its teleshopping broadcasts, the company advertised mattresses as discounted compared to a price that was never actually charged and persuaded consumers to arrange home visits to purchase the mattresses at the advertised discount. During subsequent home visits, sales representatives pressured consumers into buying alternatives items at significantly higher prices

The Italian Competition Authority has imposed a 3 million euro fine on Emme Group S.p.A., owner of the Materassi Marion trademark, over a complex unfair commercial practice that was both misleading and aggressive in the promotion and sale of Marion-branded mattresses.

The company spread misleading claims about pricing, perceived savings on the advertised product and the availability of tax incentives during its frequent teleshopping broadcasts on leading national and local TV networks, to induce consumers to schedule a home visit with a Marion sales representative. As a matter of fact, the teleshopping promotions consistently advertise a special offer and a steep discount compared to a strike-out price (or market value) – which, however, is never actually charged. Moreover, the lowest price from the previous 30 days is not shown, even though the offers are advertised as promotions. While the conduct dates back to 2024, the company’s recent adjustments to its advertising communications do not seem to have addressed the concerns raised.

During subsequent home visits, sales representatives pressured consumers –some of whom elderly – into purchasing alternative mattresses at significantly higher prices, also using misleading or disparaging claims about the features and delivery times of the teleshopping-promoted mattresses. This conduct allowed the company Emme Group to sell a significantly higher number of mattresses at prices up to 3,000 euros above those promoted in its teleshopping broadcasts, which had been advertised as discounted offers.

Rome, 23 July 2025