Bill > S153

This bill, titled "Relative to internet advertising," aims to protect consumers by ensuring that discounts, promotions, coupons, merchandise certificates, giveaways, or rebates advertised online by grocery stores, retailers, or wholesale clubs must also be offered in their physical retail locations. It defines key terms like "advertisement" as a commercial message promoting a credit transaction, "discount" as a reduction from the regular price (but not a surcharge), and "merchandise certificate" or "coupon" as a non-cash voucher for goods or services. The bill also clarifies "regular price," "purchaser," "purchase price," "retailer," "retail sale," "sale," and "sales price," with "sales price" being the total consideration for property or services, excluding certain items like discounts not reimbursed by a third party, separately stated financing charges, and consumer-imposed taxes. Crucially, it states that it is an unfair and deceptive practice to offer a different price online than what is available in a physical store, ensuring that advertised online deals are honored in person.