It seems like there is always a sale at the craft store Michaels, and if that seems to good to be true, it is. Michaels advertises its custom framing services as being 50% or 60% off. However, Michaels almost always has a “sale”, and in fact, it appears that all customers receive at least a 50% off, because the “discounted” price is actually the regular price. Under most states’ consumer protection laws, it is a deceptive practice to advertise a service or product as being on sale when in fact the sale price is the regular price. In other words, a “sale” that never ends is illegal. In fact, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman forced Michaels’ to enter into a $1.8 million settlement for engaging in deceptive advertising practices by tricking consumers into thinking they were buying something for sale when they were not. According to the Attorney General:
“For years, Michaels duped consumers into thinking they were receiving huge discounts, when in fact, they were simply paying the regular store price. Through deceptive advertising practices, this company violated the law and took advantage of hardworking consumers trying to save money.”
Not only do consumers suffer, but legitimate frame stores are forced to compete with Michaels’ unfair practices, to their detriment. Our attorneys are investigating a potential class action concerning Michaels’ deceptive sales practices. If you or someone you know paid for Michaels’ custom framing service and received the alleged discount, or if you have a competing framing business, please contact us to discuss your legal options.