Bridal fashion scandal in Vienna: misleading prices and customer deception!

Bridal fashion scandal in Vienna: misleading prices and customer deception!

On June 14, 2025, the Vienna Market Office carried out a comprehensive inspection of bridal fashion stores, which was characterized by numerous complaints about misleading price information. These checks found that supposed discounts were often identified as deceiving customers. Only one business was able to stand out from the rest and stay compliant, highlighting the wider problems across the wedding industry. These developments are met with increasing criticism, particularly with regard to the transparency of price information.

In the wedding industry, which has traditionally had a high status, many providers are increasingly being criticized because unclear or incorrect price information harms consumers. According to the Krone, shops in the 21st district are particularly affected. Residents of the event center on Schererstrasse complain about noise from car parades and illegal fireworks, which increases the problems surrounding the celebrations. In response to these complaints, the Market Office has taken measures to improve the situation.

Price indication regulation and consumer protection

Pricing is a key aspect of providing clear information to consumers. The Juraforum describes that the Price Indication Ordinance (PAngV) has been in force since 1985 and is updated regularly. It regulates the form and nature of price information in advertising and offers for goods and services to ensure that consumers can clearly and clearly see prices.

Important regulations of the PAngV include that prices must be stated as final prices including VAT. In addition, the prices must be stated per unit of quantity (e.g. liters, kilos), and this information should be easy to read. In particular, these are specifications that are mandatory for individual retailers and service providers. Violations of these requirements can be punished with fines of up to 25,000 euros.

Monitoring and legal consequences

Monitoring and tracking the provisions of the Price Indication Ordinance is the responsibility of the municipal regulatory authorities. The state of [North Rhine-Westphalia](https://www.brd.nrw.de/Themen/Kommunales/Handel-Handwerk-Gewerbe/Preisbarenverregulation-EU-Consumer Protection) has issued relevant rules to ensure the correct indication of prices in order to guarantee the protection of consumers. Reports are checked and processed in the CPCS system, which ensures the exchange of information between national consumer protection authorities.

The Price Indication Regulation is therefore not only a legal necessity, but also an important part of creating trust between providers and consumers. Clear and fair price information is essential, especially in the sensitive area of ​​the wedding industry, where emotions and financial expenses are closely linked.