The Supreme Court of Victoria has ordered discount retailer Panda Mart to close two Melbourne stores for short periods next month, after ongoing product safety concerns.
Cranbourne must shut from November 9 to 11 and Preston from November 16 to 18, so Consumer Affairs Victoria can check the products meet Australian safety standards.
Panda Mart told customers the court found the stores sold items including candle holders that posed a fire risk and button-battery devices without child-resistant packaging.
It is the second court-ordered closure for the two stores, after a three-day shutdown last December. The retailer also faces criminal charges over unsafe products, with a county court hearing set for April 2027.
CAV director Nicole Rich said it was positive Panda Mart was addressing the concerns, but disappointing it had taken so long.
What it means for your money
Cheap doesn’t have to mean unsafe, but retailers of all sizes are being held to account. Check products with button batteries or heating and lighting parts, and report anything dodgy to your state consumer affairs body. If you run a shop, safety compliance is a real cost of doing business.
Source: SmartCompany