The practice of misrepresenting the actual savings offered during a major retail event is a concern for consumers. This can manifest as inflating the original price of an item before applying a discount, creating the illusion of a larger price reduction than what genuinely exists. For example, a product might be advertised as 50% off, but the pre-discount price was artificially increased to make the discount appear more significant.
Such practices undermine consumer trust and distort the perceived value of promotional offers. Historically, these strategies have been employed across various retail sectors, particularly during high-volume shopping periods. Recognizing and avoiding these tactics is crucial for informed purchasing decisions and protecting against potential financial disadvantages.