Discount retailer Panda Mart may be forced to close its Cranbourne and Preston stores under an injunction sought by Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV), following repeated concerns about unsafe products, including toys.
CAV has applied to the Supreme Court for an injunction that would require Panda Mart to stop trading until it meets strict compliance measures to protect consumers.
During inspections of both outlets earlier this year, CAV product safety officers allegedly found items that were incorrectly labelled, dangerous and subject to permanent bans.
The products included scented candles with decorations that caught alight, light-up keychains with inadequately secured button batteries, and portable pools and floatation devices without mandatory warning labels.
If granted, the injunction would require Panda Mart to also notify customers of the closure through its website, social media and shop fronts; and allow CAV to remove and destroy any unsafe, banned and incorrectly labelled products.
Panda Mart employees would need to complete training, and the business would need to implement a formal compliance program approved by CAV’s Director, Nicole Rich before the stores could re-open.
Rich said the proposed terms reflected CAV’s belief that Panda Mart had continued to put the public at risk despite repeated warnings and enforcement actions.
‘Product safety standards are there to protect consumers. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a high-end boutique or a discount store – you’re responsible for ensuring that all the items on your shelves are safe and labelled properly,’ she said.
‘Being cheap isn’t a licence to skimp on safety standards. People should be able to shop for a good bargain without putting their or their kids’ safety at risk.
‘Panda Mart should not be allowed to operate until it can demonstrate that it meets its product safety responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law.’
CAV has previously taken action against Panda Mart’s Victorian stores:
The Supreme Court is expected to rule on CAV's application in September.
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