St. Paul (trfnews.i234.me) — Menards will pay $4.25 million to 10 states to resolve consumer claims.
The multistate settlement targets how Menards advertised its well-known “11% Rebate Program.”
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said Minnesota will receive about $632,000 from the deal.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said Wisconsin’s share totals $750,000.
What states say happened
Investigators said some online prices appeared to be “after rebate,” not the checkout price.
They also said key limits were not clear to many shoppers.
States said some purchases did not qualify for the rebate program.
Examples included gift cards, event tickets, rentals, and propane deliveries.
Officials also said Menards sometimes directed customers to Rebates International for help.
States said Rebates International is part of Menards, not a separate company.
Pandemic price claims
Wisconsin officials also pointed to pandemic-era price gouging claims.
They said two Wisconsin stores raised prices on four-gallon water bottles during an emergency period.
Ellison criticized any pandemic pricing that took advantage of fear and uncertainty.
What changes under the settlement
Under the agreement, Menards must avoid marketing the 11% offer like an instant discount.
The company must also better explain the limits on what qualifies for the rebate.
States said Menards has already removed certain online price differences tied to the rebate display.
The settlement also gives shoppers up to one year to submit rebate forms.
Officials said Menards will also review options for online rebate submission in the future.
Company response
Menards did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
In media reports, Menards said it disputes any wrongdoing related to the claims.
Read Minnesota’s announcement here: Minnesota Attorney General press release.
Read Wisconsin’s settlement details here: Wisconsin DATCP statement.
Read Illinois’ announcement here: Illinois Attorney General release.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.