Theguardian iconTheguardianSep 5, 2026

Deal or no deal? How to know if the retail price is right

As the government prepares to crack down on 'phoney bargains' we ask experts about what exactly constitutes a genuine price reduction. Online and on the high street, some shops just always seem to be selling at a discount.

Deal or no deal? How to know if the retail price is right

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As the government prepares to crack down on 'phoney bargains' we ask experts about what exactly constitutes a genuine price reduction.

Online and on the high street, some shops just always seem to be selling at a discount.

Whether it's the closing down sale that goes on for years, or the crossed-out original price that you can't remember ever paying, some retailers try all kinds of ways to convince us we are getting a bargain.

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As the government prepares to crack down on 'phoney bargains' we ask experts about what exactly constitutes a genuine price reduction. Online and on the high street, some shops just always seem to be selling at a discount. Whether it's the closing down sale that goes on for years, or the crossed-out original price that you can't remember ever paying, some retailers try all kinds of ways to convince us we are getting a bargain.

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