‘These companies assume consumers are stupid’
Target was caught red-handed raising prices just to advertise a fake sale.
On a Reddit to post Somewhat infuriatingly shared, people have noticed a familiar pattern: Stores are quietly inflating prices before slapping on the “deal” label to make shoppers feel like they’re saving money.
The customer posted a photo of the chocolates, which had recently gone up in price before they were discounted for the so-called promotion.
Photo Credit: Reddit
“I caught Target pricing their prices just so they can offer a ‘discount’,” the user said wroteIt shows that a $3.39 item is suddenly priced at $4.59 and then “discounted” to $3.67.
“These companies assume consumers are stupid, forgetful, and easy to fool,” one commenter wrote. wroteIt highlights how money-grabbing tactics actually erode customer trust.
Some commenters noted that this tactic pops up around major shopping events, especially Black Friday, when customers expect discounts.
“Yes, there are a few gimmicky items that are truly incredibly priced (albeit always in very limited quantities), but the majority of items are priced in the days and weeks leading up to Black Friday so that the ‘deal’ is the standard price, or in some cases higher than the standard price.” in question a commentator.
These disappointments echo concerns expressed in previous reports about questionable retail practices.
Target employees were caught throwing away brand new dolls as part of store policy, sparking debate over waste and transparency. Grocery store shoppers also pay more for “grab-and-go” salads that they can prepare by purchasing fresh produce at a much cheaper price. Customers at Five Below similarly accused retailers of using manipulative signage that encourages FOMO to “brainwash” customers into impulse buying.
All of these tactics contribute to unnecessary waste. When shoppers buy items simply because they appear to be discounted, the items often remain unused and end up in landfills. Coupled with deceptive in-store marketing and unnecessary packaging, misleading prices become part of a broader pattern of wasteful corporate behavior.
When consumers can’t trust their store, they have to constantly double-check or take their business elsewhere.
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