‘Ghost stores’: the online retailers promoting closing-down sales for physical shops that don’t exist

Australia's consumer watchdog says it is investigating complaints of social media ads purporting to be from local boutiques

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With tears in our eyes, we must share the news with you," the ads, which have been sponsored to appear on people's social media feeds, begin. After so many years of love and dedication to our Maison Canberra boutique, the time has come to say goodbye."

The world is changing, and the boutique" can no longer keep up, the ad says. Its owners have become grandmothers, and want to spend more time with their families. To close this chapter" they are holding a big sale".

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