(MADISON — WTMJ) Wisconsin is set to receive over $750,000 in a settlement with Menards over deceptive rebate advertising and price gouging during the pandemic.
The settlement resolves claims that the company deceptively marketed its merchandise credit check program, commonly known as the “Menards 11% Rebate Program” by falsely claiming a discount at the point of purchase.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice said Menards only offered an in-store merchandise credit for future purchases.
“Figuring out how much you’ll have to pay to buy something should be straightforward,” Attorney General Josh Kaul said. “It shouldn’t be an adventure.”
Menards also engaged in price gouging by raising prices on four-gallon bottles of purified water at the Onalaska and Johnson Creek locations during the pandemic.
Wisconsin is one of 10 states that will share $4.25 million from the home improvement retailer.
The settlement terms require Menards to clearly disclose any limitations of its rebate program, investigate how it can offer a way for customers to safely submit rebate applications and receipts, allow for one year from the date of purchase to submit a rebate claim and keep their online rebate tracker updated.
