Patch Asks: Sneaky or Smart Business Practice?
Area retailer reportedly marks up prices before they go on sale.
Next time a retail store advertises a big sale, check the price tag to see if it's really a deal.
Kohl's stores in Maryland and Virginia are marking up prices before they go on sale, according to WJLA—the DC affiliate of ABC.
The price of a Vera Wang sheet set originally marked $89.99 is now $149.99 before it goes on sale for 60 percent off, the TV station reported.
Kohl's responded to the report saying that changes to the original prices were made infrequently and that their prices are determined by the company's merchandise buyers.
"Kohl's does not raise “regular” or “original” prices on a short term basis just for purposes of offering deeper discounts during a future sales event," Kohl's wrote in its response to ABC7.
Read Kohl's full response and the full story on ABC7's website.
If true, is this a sneaky or smart business practice?
M French
10:48 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
This is one of my largest gripes. Having been a former business owner, who frequently had sales to energize and excite my clients, I consider it dishonest to use such sneaky business practices as marking up prices to mark them down for sales. I would have never treated my valued customers like that, because, first of all, I feel clients should be treated with respect and honesty. I depended on the loyalty of my clients, which is earned by being a trustworthy and honest business owner. Large conglomerates don't care about customer trust, etc. They are just in it for the money. This is why I suggest that people buy from smaller shops who respect and know their clients and deal with them honestly. Support your small businesses instead of these Big Box retailers who don't use honest and fair business practices.