Overview
- Attorneys general from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa led a 10‑state action alleging that Menards’ “11% OFF” messaging misrepresented store‑credit rebates as instant discounts.
- States also alleged pandemic‑era price gouging on items such as rubbing alcohol, dish soap, garbage bags, neoprene gloves and four‑gallon purified water, including specific increases at stores in Onalaska and Johnson Creek, Wisconsin.
- Under the agreement, Menards must stop advertising store‑credit programs as point‑of‑sale discounts and must clearly disclose all rebate terms and limitations, including that it does business as Rebates International.
- The company must allow at least one year to submit rebate claims, update its online tracker within 48 hours and after returns affecting rebates, and evaluate secure online submission and redemption options.
- Payments include more than $750,000 to Wisconsin, $946,633.61 to Illinois, $632,167 to Minnesota, $365,173.05 to Ohio and more than $231,000 to Nebraska, and Menards denies wrongdoing while agreeing to the terms.