Overview
- Investigations target StubHub, Viagogo, AA Driving School, BSM Driving School, Gold’s Gym, Wayfair, Appliances Direct and Marks Electrical.
- The CMA is scrutinizing practices such as drip pricing, hidden mandatory fees, misleading countdown timers and default opt-ins designed to push add-ons.
- Ticketing sites are being reviewed for upfront disclosure of mandatory charges, AA and BSM for how compulsory fees are shown, Gold’s Gym for a joining fee during sign-up, and homeware retailers for time-limited sales and automatic opt-ins.
- The move follows a cross‑economy review of 400+ businesses in 19 sectors since April, with advisory letters sent to about 100 firms across 14 sectors to raise compliance concerns.
- No conclusions have been reached, the authority can order compensation under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, and companies including Viagogo and AA say they will cooperate.