Shoppers are being warned about stores which advertise closing down sales but never close in a bid to ‘manipulate’ customers into parting with their cash.
Consumers are being told to watch out for ‘clever marketing strategies’ which create a sense of urgency and make them feel like they might miss out on a ‘once-in-a-lifetime deal’.
Despite a 2008 Consumer Protection Act prohibiting owners from ‘misleading action’, stores still continue with these ploys.
MailOnline visited a number of stores which have claimed they are ‘closing down’ for up to three years.
Behind the ‘bargains’, the outlets in question decorate themselves with signs declaring ‘everything must go’ and ‘last few days of sale’ – but have no intention of shutting.
Retail experts have issued guidance to shoppers on how to spot whether a closing down sale is ‘too good to be true’.
Nguyen Huy, a consumer trend analyst and eCommerce expert, said: …