Menards Enters Into Multi-State Settlement Over Rebate And Pricing Practices

Right before the holidays, the big-box retailer Menards entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with the Attorneys General of ten states, resolving allegations that the company misled consumers about its rebate program and engaged in price-gouging during the pandemic. As part of the settlement, Menards agreed to pay $4.25 million. 

The states alleged that Menards misled consumers about the terms of its "Menards 11% Rebate Program." They argued that Menards advertising of its rebate program communicated that consumers received a discount at the point-of-purchase when, in fact, consumers only received an in-store merchandise credit for future purchases. The states alleged, for example, that Menards advertised its rebate program as providing "11% off" and also advertised the final prices of products as the product price minus the rebate.