Two prices on same item in shop..

[Ruth2009]

I was in matalan looking to buy a suitcase. They were in the sale, and the larger case had a big sign on saying £40 reduced from £80. But then on the other side of the sign it said £30 reduced from £80.
I was hoping to get it for £30, I thought that was probably the price for the smaller size case, but I thought they may honour it.
At the checkout I was told no, that it had been been put on in error, one of the sales assistants was a bit snappy with me, so I didn't buy it in the end. Now I have no suitcase . I'm going to have to send dh in to get it I thought shops had to sell for the advertised price or am I wrong?

In short, no, they don't. They can refuse to sell it to you, just as you can refuse to buy it the true price.

Short answer... No
Long answer... They have 24 hours (I think to take the item off of sale to correct the price)

Sales prices are in contract terms, an invitation to treat: asking you to make them an offer essentially. They don't have to sell you anything, sadly.

You are wrong. The price advertised is legally an 'invitation to treat' - i.e. a starting point for negotiation. They can charge what they like, irrespective of labelling. You can also haggle if you want to try your luck!

Whether, from a customer service perspective, they should have honoured the lower price, as it sounds as though the sign was ambiguous, is a different question; and the assistant should of course have been polite.

not exactly. When you buy something in a shop, a contract is formed. The shop offers an item for a certain price, you accept the offer, and exchange money for goods.

All contracts require agreement on the 3 Ps - price, product and parties. If there is confusion about the price (i.e. two stickers) then no contract is formed. Once the price is clarified a new offer is essentially made, and you can decide whether to accept it or not.

It might have been worth asking to see the manager. He might have honoured it for "goodwill" but they don't have to.

Shit
It looks like I'm wrong. I wouldn't normally stand my ground as I don't like confrontation, but I was so sure I was right. I'll send dh in to buy it.

I work in a shop and we are supposed to honour the price that it says on it wether that is in error or not, it is false advertising otherwise.

That's consumer law, not contract law. I.e. although it would be an offence to advertise a false price the shop has no obligation to form so contract with the customer by selling them the wrongly priced item.