Kevin Brasler

Retailers like Macy's and Dollar General are accused of inflating original prices to create misleading discounts, with a former Dollar General employee alleging routine price manipulation. A study by Consumers’ Checkbook found 25 retailers frequently use continuous 'fake sales,' including Gap, JCPenney, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, where items rarely sell at listed 'regular' prices.

Retailers like Macy’s and Dollar General are accused of inflating original prices to create misleading discounts. A former Dollar General employee reported being instructed to mark up items and label them as sales, while a consumer advocacy group found widespread use of fake discounts among 25 major retailers, including Gap and JCPenney.

The article emphasizes that effective home security can be achieved with low-cost DIY measures like deadbolt locks and securing doors/windows, rather than expensive alarm systems. Kevin Brasler from Washington Consumers’ Checkbook notes most burglars exploit unlocked entries rather than bypassing high-tech systems.

Michael Saylor received a shattered TV from Best Buy but missed the 15-day return window, leaving him unable to refund the damaged item. Best Buy's policy allows 15 days for most electronics returns, though rewards members get 60 days. Retailers like Apple also enforce short return windows, complicating refunds for defective electronics.