' Sales / reductions'

[Bazile]

I recall reading or hearing that a store for example selling a shirt for say � 14.99 only need to increase the price to say � 15.00 , in one other store ( usually in some remote location ) , for a short period of time .

They then can advertise the shirt as being on sale at
� 14.99 in all their other stores in any other location , giving the impression that shoppers are getting an appreciable reduction on the price

It is worth bearing in mind, when you see the sale signs going up - especially at the eminent festive season

[simsfreq]

That is true, but most shops will display the "before" price as well, and if they don't a shop assistant should be able to find out if you ask them.

[Bazile]

Alternatively , the company is allowed to and could equally increase the price of the same shirt to say �24.99 in one remote store for a brief period of time and then put it on 'sale' at � 14.99 in their other stores .

Thus they can display the ' before ' price as � 24.99 , or if the before price is not displayed - they are allowed to advise you that the 'before' price was � 24.99 .

This also gives the impression to the shopper in their other stores that there has been an significant reduction generally .

[dzug]

Not sure I understand your first example. A shop can offer a 'sale price' of �14.99 without having sold it at a higher price first - indeed it can increase the price from �12.99 to �14.99 and call it a sale price. Just as long as it doesn't claim it's a reduced price.

Your second example, fine. I think there is a minimum period for the higher price to have applied - 21 days rings a bell but ICBW. The more reputable stores declare which store it is where the higher price applied and it isn't always remote. (Homebase I think use one of their SW London stores for this type of thing.)

Your general message - don't get carried away by sales prices - is excellent advice at all times.