Electronic Empire: What you see is what you get?

Last Saturday (two days ago), after surfing the internet for a particular blu ray player and finding Electronic Empire had it on sale at a very competitive price, I signed up with www.electronicempire.co. uk in order and placed my order. I received an email acknowledgement containing details of my purchase, including a tracking reference. However, the order appeared to be stationary. I assumed this was because orders aren't dispatched over the weekend. Shortly after nine o'clock this (Monday)morning, I telephoned Electronic Empire for a progress report, and was told my order would be dispatched tomorrow. Fifteen minutes later, I received the followin email from Electronic Empire:

"Hi there sorry but this order has been canceled as we are currentley out of stock and have no in coming dates and just to confirm no money has been taken out of your account.



Kind Regards"

Why are such firm allowed to operate?