Name: When a Sale Price Isn’t a Discount: How Deceptive Pricing Tricks Shoppers
Uploaded: 2023-09-19T18:47:00Z
Duration: 5 min 36 s
Description: Several retailers have been sued for posting sale prices on items that aren’t actually discounted prices. WSJ reporter Patrick Coffee joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the process works, and what consumers can do. Photo: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg

https://www.barrons.com/client

Topics

Memberships

Tools

Customer Service

Network

Newsstand

For Business

For Education

For Advertisers

Account

About Barron's

bolded

unBolded

"We're trying to build an infrastructure at a pace the world has never seen before," Said Mike Intrator, CEO of CoreWeave. This interview was recorded on Jan. 21, 2026, at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260130/9fefeb96-21f1-4462-b112-3aaca3722949/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

CoreWeave CEO on Whether the AI Boom Is a Circular Economy

"The promise of AI is starting to get traction," said Mike Intrator, CEO of CoreWeave. This interview was recorded on Jan. 21, 2026, at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260130/d1a78d1d-5153-453e-b4f6-6071639a1866/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

CoreWeave CEO on the Future of the 'AI Economy'

"Nvidia has been an absolutely incredible partner for CoreWeave," said Mike Intrator, CEO of CoreWeave. This interview was recorded on Jan. 21, 2026, at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260130/d8bc483e-3a75-466a-8e14-6c1712b12f14/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

CoreWeave CEO on the Company's Relationship With Nvidia

Mike Intrator, CEO of CoreWeave, discussed the company's investments in self-built data centers, as well as third-party infrastructure. This interview was recorded on Jan. 21, 2026, at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260130/3116ef6f-8fc2-43d8-a8e5-1c7b2aa839a4/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

CoreWeave CEO on the Company's Data Centers

Mike Intrator, CEO of CoreWeave, explained why the company's relationship with Nvidia is "symbiotic but not equal," the future of the AI economy, and more as part of a conversation with Barron's editor at large Andy Serwer. This interview was recorded on Jan. 21, 2026, at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260129/92afbff0-1175-4030-a383-f6a94b7dd910/2/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

CoreWeave CEO on Nvidia, AI, and Building the Cloud

Joseph Dominguez, President and CEO of Constellation, discussed global aspects of the energy business. This interview was recorded on Jan. 20, 2026, at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260122/dbf8069d-2eb7-4993-95e2-df86725f078f/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Constellation CEO on Transmitting Energy Globally

Joseph Dominguez, President and CEO of Constellation, discussed the future of the electric vehicle industry. This interview was recorded on Jan. 20, 2026, at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260122/669e068f-d199-4ee5-9376-7eb2e8a83461/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Constellation CEO Sees Steady Growth for EV Demand

Joseph Dominguez, President and CEO of Constellation, discussed President Donald Trump's call for an emergency power auction. This interview was recorded on Jan. 20, 2026, at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260122/52e7ac58-b132-4bcb-b752-a15c6e189bb5/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Constellation CEO on Trump's Plan to Cut Mid-Atlantic Electrical Bills

This level of energy demand has not been seen "in a long period of time," said Joseph Dominguez, President and CEO of Constellation. This interview was recorded on Jan. 20, 2026, at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260122/082972b7-68f3-4df5-978c-7da79ff3fd50/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Constellation CEO on What Hyperscalers Mean For the Energy System

At Barron's

"Your 9-5...is just not going to do it," Nick Magguilli, personal finance expert, said on Barron's Streetwise podcast.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251216/e6897805-d131-4cc4-9c59-ca03b0c0b958/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

How to Scale Your Net Worth

TJ Thornton, Head of Global Research Product Marketing at BofA Securities, talks to Jack Hough about his favorite stocks outside of AI.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251210/f9c1a95c-5a0e-4349-9fe4-73b3ac53bfb8/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

BofA’s Favorite Non-AI Stocks

Jack Hough talks to TJ Thornton, Head of Global Research Product Marketing at BofA Securities about diversifying stocks to hedge AI risks.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251210/8e164ff7-1500-4c2f-8713-e891c640a0f4/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Evaluating Investing Opportunities Beyond AI

Steve Quirk, chief brokerage officer at Robinhood, breaks down the value of tokenizing stocks in different markets.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251126/f86d65ea-bd8b-4777-b6b0-80f7bb12027e/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Unpacking Tokenization for Everyday Investors

Jack Hough talks to Steve Quirk, chief brokerage officer at Robinhood, about trends in retail investing.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251126/a9cbdcc6-f060-4fc9-a15e-396924e25946/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

How Robinhood Reshaped the Trading Landscape for an Entire Generation

Streetwise host Jack Hough sat down with strategist Scott Wren to discuss how the AI-fueled market run stacks up against the dot-com boom.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251111/bd2e1a5b-1a6e-4543-8133-dcc63f69b5dc/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

AI vs. The Dot Com Bubble

Bank of America’s Haim Israel shares what’s next for Nuclear Energy development.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20250930/ab4fc336-af44-4af2-8e40-9ae6f04a445e/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

The Outlook For Nuclear

Jack talks to Lyft CEO David Risher about growth potential in the company.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20250929/ae62b70e-912b-4ce7-ae63-1b2652628bae/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Lyft's Ride to Profit

The stock market is expensive. What does that mean for your portfolio? Jack sits down with Franklin Templeton’s Matt Quinlan to talk dividend investing, and whether it’s a good move in a pricey market.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20250911/9c85e132-d710-4458-9467-aa69d4f25ae0/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Dividends and Capital Appreciation

Barron's Streetwise

Anthea Tjuanakis Cox, Morgan Stanley’s head of financial planning, discusses key trends that advisors should consider when offering clients financial advice.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260127/2debf803-64bf-4584-81dc-c92da72b7ed3/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Five Trends ‘Coalescing’ in Wealth Management

Interviews with top wealth management professionals about topics including compensation, hiring, marketing, next-gen, and more.

Advisors who can successfully serve a family with starkly different priorities represents the "alpha" that deepens the value of financial advice, says Anthea Tjuanakis Cox, Morgan Stanley’s head of financial planning.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260127/2fd71263-ad5a-47f3-b7b8-9f784fd5f557/3/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Reconciling Divergent Values in Multigenerational Planning

For younger clients, advisors should discuss immediate life goals, not just distant  milestones, says Anthea Tjuanakis Cox, Morgan Stanley’s head of financial planning. “‘Make sure that you bring in the things that are actually relevant now.”

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260127/a12a45bb-eb55-40ec-bdaa-03cf9e74c32c/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Generational Differences and Advising Digitally Native Clients

Anthea Tjuanakis Cox, Morgan Stanley’s head of financial planning, says that when providing financial planning, advisors should offer multiple scenarios to reduce client anxiety and ensure that all parties involved feel seen.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260127/ffcd128f-79e9-4cdc-b902-43c7667db536/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Advisors Should Share ‘Multiple Versions of Reality’ With Clients

“When you are with a prospect, a client, or a center of influence—anyone who has the ability to connect you—use the word introduction or connection,” says Bill Cates, founder of Referral Coach International.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260113/61e36ad7-2500-42fb-abff-a52ca20310e8/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Why Advisors Should Embrace the Word ‘Introduction’

Bill Cates, founder of Referral Coach International, explains how advisors can learn more about their clients and build trust in the process.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260113/ce45e37f-bb13-4b0c-896f-c7068a9e3fa0/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

‘Three Magic Words’ That Advisors Should Say to Clients

“True relevance is all about empathy and really knowing your market and really knowing the people you are trying to reach,” says Bill Cates, founder of Referral Coach International. “That builds trust.”

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260113/85e0ebeb-a785-4705-b6af-5525daba48fd/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Relevance, Empathy, and Trust

Bill Cates, founder of Referral Coach International, describes how financial advisors can distinguish themselves from competitors.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260113/bcc0f384-0f4a-4f62-bce9-6526a43e8948/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

What’s Your Differentiator?

Although the northeast is still a “very strong market,” advisors and wealthy clients have been moving to the Southeast since Covid, says Jeff Gonyo, head of Wealth Management at Steward Partners.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251229/3365335d-5a6e-435b-8ac2-df76d0ebcb93/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Advisors and Wealth Are Shifting to the Southeast

Barron's Advisor The Way Forward

Emily Green, head of wealth management at Ellevest, discusses the company’s intensive approach to training advisors on alternative investments.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260122/3a98e5d9-ae20-4526-ae91-8a3df74c93a0/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

How Ellevest Works With Advisors and Alternative Investments

Clients are concerned with the timing of distributions and the after-tax return of a fund and focus more on the value they receive than a fund’s fees, says Emily Green, head of wealth management at Ellevest.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260122/eef5dc96-9ac0-4f4b-9944-c36951d47e40/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

The Things That Clients Care Most About

Emily Green, head of wealth management at Ellevest, says advisors should “show up” where women are, be sensitive about how they are showing up, and focus on helping clients achieve their goals.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260122/33e77af3-1032-4891-9284-c455d900f9d2/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Three Effective Ways for Advisors to Reach More Women

Ellevest’s head of wealth management discusses how the firm is addressing the gender wealth gap and how its advisors are helping female clients with all aspects of financial planning.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20260122/7bcfe251-9b72-47e7-b6d2-46b70f68b77c/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Emily Green: Women, Investing, and the Great Wealth Transfer

The Ameriprise Financial Services private wealth advisor discusses the centrality of the advisor-client relationship, the shift to holistic planning, and reasons why the financial planning process should be simplified.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251216/0763524d-fc27-4495-a779-bbb533e16abc/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Doug Messina: The Importance of Strong Client Relationships

In terms of business continuity, “We don't leave until the client says, ‘yeah, I'm comfortable with so and so now and I know how to reach you if I need you,’” says Doug Messina, private wealth advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251216/32c51a2b-7ac0-4867-a758-7dd04ed104a1/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Transitioning Clients to a New Financial Advisor

“If you’re only hyper-focused on what’s happening in the market, it’s not going to do a whole heck of a lot,” says Doug Messina, private wealth advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251216/d08e7cf8-15b2-4d7b-b911-be1fa6058a65/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

‘You Have to Be Able to Connect With People’

Be honest, be yourself, and “put yourself in the client’s position,” says Doug Messina, private wealth advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251216/e3bd3c54-c3c9-4856-b27b-52e1f20f96b3/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

3 Pieces of Advice for Younger Advisors

Advisors need to “invest in the younger folks,” says Merrill Lynch private wealth advisor Tony Carpentieri, who asserts that developing “energetic, new, up and coming, and emerging players is the most important part” of succession planning.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251204/b5efe5ba-edf5-4dc7-9040-2739b43dd9c4/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

The ‘Most Important’ Part of Succession Planning Today

Barron's Advisor Next Generation

Will Nvidia and other technology companies keep powering the stock market in 2026? We'll speak with two veteran money managers about their views on tech and their favorite stocks for the coming year.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251212/5683d7a0-ed1f-4e3c-b913-bb3367ea3abd/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Finding Bargains in a Pricey Market

Explore what could go right for investors, and what could go wrong, in a year that will see the AI trade evolve, the Fed's leadership change, and global competition for resources increase in this 2026 Outlook.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251212/573f5954-c4ab-43e9-804d-f1ea93fbb70c/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Meeting the Challenge

Stocks are expensive, risks abound, and AI is about to change the world. Other than that, building a calamity-proof retirement portfolio should be a cinch. Tune in as two veteran money managers size up the markets and share their investment ideas.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20250211/17a5e7d6-7c36-44b0-a35e-bf5ac3a24194/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Saving for a Sunny Day

Research shows that people greatly underestimate the healthcare costs they’ll face in retirement. Learn from experts how to estimate those costs, prepare for potential long-term care needs, and manage healthcare expenses in retirement.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20250211/e7c022d9-badf-4e95-8e7c-0b6fce9f7823/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Are You Fiscally Fit?

Surging power demand, new energy sources, and growing competition have spurred the utility industry to become more innovative than ever before. Our panelists will unpack the changes afoot and explore what lies ahead for companies, customers, and investors.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20240917/001ea098-1fcc-4da5-9f0e-a3b149bbb2fb/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Not Your Father's Utility

Modernizing America's grid will take creativity and money -- lots of money. Learn how players across the power sector can achieve their electrification goals and serve new customers without breaking the bank for consumers.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20240917/bd6bd43a-bb07-4b7f-9d1c-6ae04220bea9/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Ready for a Revamp?

The launch this year of Bitcoin ETFs has made it easier for investors to buy and trade the cryptocurrency. But is that a wise move, and if so, how much crypto should you own?

https://m.wsj.net/video/20240529/cbb77f15-ef70-445d-85ae-5f02c24ea1ef/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Investing in Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin and other digital currencies reside on software networks that aim to revolutionize everything from finance to art. Barron's talks to industry experts about the outlook for blockchain technology and its potential uses.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20240529/8f60a5ea-6de4-4c3c-b7c2-12b11aaa99f3/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Is Crypto Really a Game-Changer?

Persistent inflation means retirement savings don't go as far as they once did. We discuss the best inflation hedges, and how retirees can benefit from higher-for-longer interest rates.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20240429/69577ad6-cbaf-4d34-96f1-c42136e26aa2/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Protecting Your Nest Egg from Rising Prices

Barron's Roundtable

Whether you're leading a transition, building a scalable team, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this episode will give you practical insights to lead smarter and grow stronger.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20251010/fd26d60b-d1e6-409b-b51b-101da4aaa368/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Next-Gen Leadership Meets Smart Innovation

Electric vehicles sales are growing but not at the pace some expected. Some would-be buyers worry about the range of EV charging, and others are swayed by politics. But innovators from Detroit to Silicon Valley still envision a dramatic shift in how we get around. What’s going on and what’s next?

https://m.wsj.net/video/20240603/5784fa60-791c-47ad-9740-42e4553de5c4/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Forces Shaping EV Adoption and the Future of Driving

Success in improving the power grid to accommodate the electricity demands of the future will be a boon for companies doing the work and utilities that succeed. Explore the investing risks and opportunities.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20240522/2b825c69-2687-4d88-923b-0c8f523a2f67/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

How to Invest in Initiatives to Bolster the Power Grid

Joanna Rotenberg, Fidelity's president of personal investing, discusses ways to make investing more accessible and how to bolster your own financial security.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20231025/8ad733df-ac90-41fd-9655-7761b3e0532c/2/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Mind the Gap: Demystifying Investing

Reshma Kapadia sits down with Cozy Wittman of College Inside Track to discuss how to tackle all things college, from what admission officers are seeking today, to navigating the different ways to funding higher education and evaluating the ROIs.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20230515/b7229011-05cc-42ec-9c16-1d7752ec668d/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Decoding the College Search and Financing Puzzle

Nicole Webb, financial advisor and SVP at Wealth Enhancement Group, shares ways to navigate the real estate market this spring whether you are a first-time buyer, a retiree downsizing or someone who is relocating or looking for a second home.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20230424/93eb00e1-caf0-4e83-9fc7-b502a57dc546/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Pro Tips on Buying and Selling a Home

Reggie Fils-Aimé, former president and COO of Nintendo of America, joins Barron's deputy editor Alex Eule to discuss his unlikely rise to the top, and the risks he took once there to beat the odds and achieve success.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20220630/61e2296d-ab1a-4216-ae65-24676447c616/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

How Nintendo's Former President Disrupted the Gaming Industry

2050 Wealth Planners co-CEO Lazetta Rainey Braxton, Sequoia Financial Planners vice president Elizabeth Scheiderer, and MoneyZen founder Manisha Thakor offer tips on how to prepare for recession, inflation, caregiving needs.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20220617/a71025ce-518b-49b9-b098-21417863f8ce/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Financial Advice for the Inflation-Weary

Families and advisors have a lot to navigate when it comes to generational wealth transfer. Add sustainable investing to the list. Examine strategies to help close the generational divide. From the Dow Jones Energy & Sustainability event series.

https://m.wsj.net/video/20230210/85cbf3f9-b5ab-4bfa-93c6-f8e8a247d386/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

Sustainable Investing and the Wealth Transfer

Barron's Events

Level Up

Barron's Explains

Back to Business

Great Investors

MarketWatch

Video Center - Barron's home

Several retailers have been sued for posting sale prices on items that aren’t actually discounted prices. WSJ reporter Patrick Coffee joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how the process works, and what consumers can do. Photo: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg

https://m.wsj.net/video/20230919/4968c053-3997-4539-a3fc-f1dea0ba62d9/1/hls/manifest-hd-wifi.m3u8

When a Sale Price Isn’t a Discount: How Deceptive Pricing Tricks Shoppers

JR: Here's "Your Money Briefing" for Tuesday, September 19th. I'm JR Whalen for "The Wall Street Journal." Several large retailers are facing litigation for deceiving consumers with sale prices that weren't actually discounts. "Wall Street Journal" reporter Patrick Coffee looked into this and joins me. So Patrick, walk us through how this deceptive pricing is done.

Patrick: Well, it's one of the oldest practices in the retail industry, and it's relatively simple. For example, if you have a shirt or a vest that regularly sells for 19.99 at a given store, the retailer will briefly raise that price to let's say $40, and then bring the price back down and advertise the item as being 50% off for limited time. And in some cases, allegedly, the retailers don't even bother to actually raise the price. So they give the illusion of the item being on sale, when in fact, that's just not accurate.

JR: Can you give us an example of where this was done?

Patrick: It's almost every retail chain, and also big E-commerce companies like Amazon. For example, in our story, we cited a research paper that went over the sales of vacuum cleaners on Amazon over a given amount of time in 2017. It found that one seller in particular had listed this specific vacuum cleaner for 114.99, and then over about 48 hours raised the price, so it was disguising a price increase as a discount. And if consumers haven't been closely tracking the changes in that price, they wouldn't know it.

JR: What did Amazon have to say about that?

Patrick: They said that they have now enacted ways for consumers to report sellers if they see this going on. It's not clear that it has stops. It really seems like a bit of an extended game of Whac-a-Mole where you can take down one seller and another one will pop up.

JR: Now why are some retailers doing this more often now?

Patrick: Well, what analysts told me was that the practice all but disappeared during the pandemic because people weren't going out shopping and retailers didn't have this glut of inventory that they needed to get rid of. Now however, their sales are beginning to drop after the post-pandemic boom, so they really need to unload all this inventory, and they're desperate to beat out their competitors in terms of sales volume. So they're going back to what has worked for them in years past.

JR: Do consumers know this is going on?

Patrick: In most cases, I would say no. I mean, I, just speaking for myself as a consumer, I really had no idea. And that's one of the reasons that I found this story so interesting. On the one hand, you see these sale promotions all the time, and they start to blend together and you wonder how accurate they are, but I really didn't know exactly how this goes down and it was surprising to me.

JR: So what happened to companies that have gotten caught doing this?

Patrick: An increasing number are getting sued. And this is on a state by state basis because the FTC does have guidelines for deceptive pricing. But generally speaking, they defer to the states, 'cause they have other priorities, of course, and they sorta just let the state attorney's general take care of these sorts of cases. And they can get significant fines. It can be in the tens of millions of dollars if they're found liable.

JR: And if retailers are caught and fined, they typically stop doing the deceptive pricing?

Patrick: It really varies from case to case. A great example is JCPenney, which was sued for doing this about 10 years ago. And then they brought on a new CEO in 2012, and they attempted to sort of back off from that strategy and go toward more what they would call everyday low prices. And the result was the opposite of what they expected. They found that sales declined significantly because consumers were just used to seeing these advertised discounts everywhere, and they didn't really know what to make of it when they disappeared. And then not a decade later, they were sued for allegedly using the same practice.

JR: Wow, there's a lot here for consumers to give track of. How can they raise their radar to spot this type of deceptive pricing?

Patrick: It's difficult, but E-commerce has enabled us to do a lot more comparison shopping. The answer is if we're looking for a specific item, then we need to be on top of any price changes in that item. There are also some services that track changes in prices of an individual product on platforms like Amazon, but generally speaking, it's clear that this practice has led to increased confusion among consumers.

JR: So this can really give consumers fits when they're trying to go through a store and keep to a budget. Can this problem go away?

Patrick: Well, the conclusion of a recently published research paper is essentially that no, it can't. And the reason is that the losses or the risk that a retailer faces in potentially losing out in sales to a competitor is greater than the risk it faces from paying tens of millions of dollars to settle a related lawsuit.

JR: So in the grand scheme of things, the fine is just a slap on the wrist?

Patrick: Essentially, yes.

JR: That's "Wall Street Journal" reporter Patrick Coffee. And that's it for "Your Money Briefing." Today's show was produced by Ariana Aspuru with deputy editor Chris Zinsley and supervising producer Melony Roy. I'm JR Whalen for "The Wall Street Journal." We'll be back tomorrow morning. Thanks for listening.

WSJ's Your Money Briefing podcast is your personal-finance and career checklist. Finance reporters and experts break down complicated money questions every weekday to help you make better decisions about managing your money. 