The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said it identified a number of potential breaches of consumer law during 80 unannounced inspections of businesses in six counties.
The inspections, some of which the CCPC said were driven by complaints to its helpline, were aimed at ensuring businesses comply with the law.
The watchdog's visits covered a broad range of sectors, including gift shops, pubs, cafés, supermarkets, clothing retailers, jewellers, hairdressers and petrol stations.
The potential breaches included inaccurate or inadequate price displays, failures to display notices about hallmarking, and misleading commercial practices.
Despite this, the CCPC said it found "strong levels of compliance among many retailers."
It said officers also focused on "key tourist locations ahead of the peak summer season, ensuring clear and transparent pricing and fair commercial practices".
A total of 14 inspections took place across Dublin, including in popular tourist areas such as Temple Bar.
In Kilkenny city, 16 inspections were conducted, while 13 inspections took place across Galway.
In Kerry, the CCPC carried out 16 inspections, primarily in Dingle and Kenmare, while 21 inspections were undertaken across Wexford and Waterford, including in Tramore.
"Where breaches of the law are found, businesses are required to take corrective action, and our enforcement teams work closely with them to help ensure compliance," the CCPC said.
"Further inspections will be carried out and where continued breaches of the law are found, enforcement action may follow, up to and including prosecution."
CCPC Chairperson Brian McHugh said it will "continue to support and engage with businesses to support compliance, but where necessary we can and will take enforcement action against traders who continue to deliberately deceive consumers".
Mr McHugh added that the watchdog is seeking direct fining powers, which he said would give it "the ability to issue significant fines," which "will be an essential addition to our enforcement toolkit."
Consumers who suspect a trader has breached consumer law can contact the CCPC's National Consumer Helpline on 01 402 5555, or email ask@ccpc.ie.
Last week the CCPC successfully prosecuted Quills Woollen Market in Kerry for misleading consumers about the origin of products, while it also recently prosecuted Brown Thomas Arnotts, which subsequently pleaded guilty to breaking sales pricing laws.
These followed similar successful cases last year against Tesco, Boots, Lifestyle Sports, DID Electrical, and Rathwood.
