By Patrick Avenell

The ACCC has today launched legal action against Lux Distributors Pty Ltd, the Melbourne-based company currently selling the Lux brand of high-end domestic and commercial vacuum cleaners, for engaging in “unconscionable conduct in relation to the sale of vacuum cleaners to five elderly consumers”.

In a matter filed in the Federal Court, the ACCC will allege that door-to-door representatives of Lux Distributors preyed on elderly customers, pressuring them into purchasing machines worth more than $2,000.

“It is alleged that a Lux sales representative called upon each consumer under the premise of a free vacuum cleaner maintenance check,” said an ACCC spokesperson in a statement.

“The consumers, some of whom were aged over 90, were then allegedly subjected to unfair and pressuring sales tactics to induce them into purchasing a vacuum cleaner for a price of up to $2280.”

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The ACCC is seeking declarations, injunctions, pecuniary penalties, implementation of a trade practices compliance program and costs.

The Lux brand was originally owned globally by Electrolux, before being sold in 1999. Lux Distributors took over the sole distribution of the brand from Appliance Direct following a merger in 2007.

Current.com.au has contacted Lux Distributors for comment.