Wisconsin Leads Multistate Settlement Over Menards Rebate Practices
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60-Second Summary
Madison, Wisconsin. State attorneys general announced this week a $4.25 million multistate settlement with Menard Inc. resolving 2020 claims that the retailer deceptively marketed its 11% merchandise credit rebate program and engaged in COVID-19-era price gouging. The agreement, co-led by Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa, requires clearer disclosure of rebate terms, disclosure that Rebates International is part of Menards, updated online rebate tracking, and extended submission periods for claims. States will receive specified shares, with Wisconsin to receive over $750,000, Iowa $446,832, and Nebraska $231,975.22. State consumer protection officials led the investigation. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
About this summary
This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 6 original reports from Urban Milwaukee, Channel 3000, WAOW, KIMT-TV 3 Mason City, WFRV-TV Channel 5 and Sandhills Express.
Timeline of Events
- 2020: Consumers and officials raised complaints about Menards' 11% rebate advertising and pandemic pricing.
- 2020–2021: Multiple state attorneys general opened coordinated investigations into rebate disclosures and pricing practices.
- Investigation co-led by Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa consolidated evidence and negotiated remedies with Menards.
- Settlement reached requiring clearer rebate disclosures, faster online tracking, extended claim windows, and a $4.25 million payout.
- States announced their allocated shares, with Wisconsin receiving over $750,000, Iowa $446,832 and Nebraska $231,975.22.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 6
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%
State consumer protection agencies and affected consumers benefit from clearer rebate disclosures, improved tracking, extended submission windows, and state payments intended to remediate alleged harms.
Menards incurred reputational damage, compliance obligations, operational changes to rebate processing and a multistate payout totaling $4.25 million under the settlement.
After reading and researching latest news.... State attorneys general announced a $4.25 million multistate settlement resolving 2020 claims that Menards misrepresented its 11% rebate and raised certain prices during the COVID-19 pandemic; the agreement requires clearer disclosures, tracking updates, and specified state payment allocations including Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska shares noted.
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Wisconsin Leads Multistate Settlement Over Menards Rebate Practices
Urban Milwaukee Channel 3000 WAOW KIMT-TV 3 Mason City WFRV-TV Channel 5 Sandhills ExpressFrom Right
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