Story perspectives

25 Retailers Mislead Shoppers with Fake Discounts

11/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Consumers’ Checkbook reports that 25 major retailers studied show most advertised discounts are misleading, with 21 offering fake sales more than half the time.
Retailers often display inflated "regular" prices that customers rarely see, creating the illusion of savings.
The practice has worsened as Thanksgiving and Black Friday approach.
Experts advise consumers to compare prices and beware perceived discounts, since many stores may offer lower prices outside advertised sales.

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Story summary

Consumers’ Checkbook reports that 25 major retailers studied show most advertised discounts are misleading, with 21 offering fake sales more than half the time.
Retailers often display inflated "regular" prices that customers rarely see, creating the illusion of savings.
The practice has worsened as Thanksgiving and Black Friday approach.
Experts advise consumers to compare prices and beware perceived discounts, since many stores may offer lower prices outside advertised sales.