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Last update - 05:10 09/05/2007
Importer of Crocs shoes under investigation for price-fixing
By Ronny Linder-Ganz, Haaretz Correspondent

The Antitrust Authority, headed by Antitust Commissioner Ronit Kan, has initiated an investigation into a complaint that the importers of Crocs shoes illegally engages in fixing retail sales prices at stores that sell the shoes, TheMarker has learned.

Crocs are imported and marketed by New Cinema Ltd., owned by businessman Amos Horowitz. Crocs' popular 'Beach' model is sold throughout the country for 199 shekels.

Store owners report that they were instructed in no uncertain terms that they are prohibited from selling the shoes at a lower price, and failure to do so would result in revocation of their right to sell the shoes. The shoes are sold by the importer to stores for 100 shekels per pair.
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An attorney and former head of the Antitrust Authority explained that a company that fixes a unified price for its merchandise at all sale points in fact neutralizes any the possible competition.

"The rule is that anyone who sells the products to consumers must be able to make independent decisions that will allow him to compete with other suppliers and offer a price that he believes to be the most attractive - in other words, the cheapest price," he explained.

"A marketer, particularly a large, dominant one, that prevents competition between stores and sales points by setting a minimum price, jeopardizes consumer's ability to obtain a lower price, and is therefore prohibited."

Crocs shoes, sold in Israel since 2005, became a big hit here last year, in spite of the lack of any formal advertisement.

The trend caught on through word of mouth only. The Canadian shoes also enjoy popularity worldwide, with sales of $355 million in 2006, expected to nearly double in 2007.


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  1.   Croc shoes 06:44  |  Roxy 09/05/07
  2.   This story is a Croc 07:20  |  Bill 09/05/07
  3.   rip-off ! 08:32  |  PS 09/05/07
  4.   Since when is a monopoly a news item? 08:56  |  Adam Admati 09/05/07
  5.   the crocs-craze madeit to haaretz... shame on you 09:42  |  L 09/05/07
  6.   CROCS AND THEIR PRICE 09:54  |  FOX 09/05/07
  7.   Crocs knock offs 03:07  |  Jesse 10/05/07
  8.   a crock of sheetrock... 06:31  |  a crock of sheetrock 10/05/07
  9.   crocs 10:12  |  khana feiler 10/05/07
  10.   no more pain 15:14  |  becky 10/05/07
  11.   Same concept in Canada 15:28  |  Yoni 10/05/07
  12.   Croc shoes at WalMart 19:09  |  Sylvain 10/05/07
  13.   they`re excellent value - and last for ever 19:51  |  Bruno 10/05/07
  14.   Too expensive? Walk BAREFOOT 21:47  |  * BEN JABO 10/05/07
  15.   the importer don`t make more money when it sold at a fixed price 23:07  |  yael 21/05/07
  16.   inquary 08:41  |  tanveer hasan 19/07/07
  17.   Flat-footed Relief at Crocs 05:59  |  Rachel 25/07/07
  18.   customised crocs 20:09  |  Roscom? 04/10/07
  19.   Crocs in the US 16:32  |  Rivka 29/07/08
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