Case for Jurlique
Court proceedings have been launched against South Australian-based cosmetics company Jurlique which produces and distributes skin care, cosmetics and herbal products sold by boutique retailers and department stores, alleging that it breached the Trade Practices Act by not allowing retailers to sell Jurlique products at a discount. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) alleges Jurlique induced, or attempted to induce, retailers and franchisees not to sell products for less than a price specified by Jurlique.
The claims, lodged in the Brisbane Federal Court, also allege the company withheld supplies to retailers who had sold products at below the retail price suggested by the company from 1991 to 2003.
Jurlique was founded in 1983 by scientist and naturopath Jurgen Klein and his now ex-wife Ulrike, a horticulturist. In a statement, Jurlique said that following the investigation, the company had changed its business practices and that new management and shareholders had been appointed, while Klein ceased his involvement in the company in July last year.