Posted on 08/06/2015 3:50:44 PM PDT by Hojczyk
Michigan-based Meijer, which began the supercenter combination of a general merchandise store and a supermarket in 1962, began its expansion into Wisconsin in late June, and officially opened its second wave of Wisconsin stores today. As is often the case with new stores, Meijer is holding a “grand opening” sale. Enter the heavy hand of government. From the MacIver News Service:
Likely in an attempt to break into the new market, Meijer is allegedly advertising and selling products for less than cost. In Wisconsin, however, that practice is illegal under the Unfair Sales Act – also known as the minimum markup law.
With many of the stores just opening, the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is already investigating the company to see if the claims hold water.
The violation, if true, could result in Meijer being fined per infraction for engaging in an action that state statutes call “deceptive” and “unfair.” Under the portion of the Unfair Sales Act under which the DATCP is investigating no less than four separate complaints, retailers (and wholesalers) are prohibited from selling any item “below cost” as a “loss leader”. Between 1939, when the Unfair Sales Act was created, and 1986, this included all groceries, including perishable items. In 1986, after grocers turned against the law, perishable groceries were exempted. That is a key item, as three of the four items MacIver specifically mentioned as part of the complaints, milk, yogurt and frozen pizza, are perishable groceries.
MacIver also noted that the anti-loss-leader portion of the law, unique to Wisconsin, keeps Walmart from fully offering their $4 generic prescription drug program in Wisconsin. It goes further than that – retailers have to radically alter their national Black Friday promotions to keep from running afoul of the New Deal-era law.
(Excerpt) Read more at hotair.com ...
I prefer Meijer over Walmart. Their prices are competitive and they sell lots of locally grown produce which I like.
Yeah but outside of meat, nobody beats Woodmans in Wiscosnin for price and selection. The stores here in Georgia aren’t in the same league.
They should just ignore it like how the illegals can ignore the law in this country.
I thought those laws ended around the time WWII ended.
Right, declare themselves a ‘Sanctuary Grocery’.
[ Right, declare themselves a ‘Sanctuary Grocery’. ]
If cities won’t enforce FEDERAL immigration laws.... Why the hell should we obey city laws anymore?
New entrant on the grocery scene in Wisconsin, Meijer, collides with minimum markup law. (I thought this was deemed illegal by the Wisconsin Supreme Court a few years ago. Anybody know what happened to that decision?)
FReep Mail me if you want on, or off, this Wisconsin interest ping list.
And why is that still the law there?
Not disagreeing. I’m thinking about becoming a ‘Sanctuary Taxpayer’.
I actually support these laws. Places like Sam’s Club and Walmart dramatically increase their prices after they’ve run the local stores out of business.
I actually support these laws. Places like Sam’s Club and Walmart dramatically increase their prices after they’ve run the local stores out of business.
I prefer most places over walmart.
I love our local Meijer Store. Produce is tops in my area. The general merchandise is varied and very nice, too.
no they don't
I personally have seen prices of food I sorta got hooked on triple in price in the space of a few months.
FWIW: Was at Target Distribution Center in Oconomowoc, WI yesterday ... noticed two Meijer trucks taking on loads from the Center ...
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