Price Tags No Longer Required By Law
LANSING (WWJ) - Beginning Thursday, retailers in Michigan are no longer required to put price stickers on all items. The new item pricing law gives retailers the option to tag or not to tag.
According to Tom Scott of the Michigan Retailers Association, the law will put Michigan in sync with other states in the country.
"The biggest argument that we made is Michigan is the only state in the nation that still requires that," Scott told WWJ Newsradio 950. "So, shoppers in 49 others states are able to get along quite well without having a sticker stuck on there.
Massachusetts is now the only state with a price tag requirement.
Scott said the new guidelines will save money.
"It was a huge expense to put those stickers," he said. "It's sort of a wasted job, really, and those jobs really could be better converted to the employees providing better customers service or keeping the store clean, or all sorts of things that make for a better shopping experience."
Gov. Rick Snyder, in January's State of the State address, called on the Legislature to repeal the 35 year-old law, calling it expensive and obsolete.
Supporters of the old law, including some unions, believe that the new guidelines will frustrate and anger shoppers and result in layoffs for grocery store clerks.
Talking with shoppers Thursday morniong, WWJ's Pat Sweeting said she couldn't find anyone who thought that the change in the law was a good thing.
Christy Malay said price tags actually plays a major role in whether she will or won't buy something.
"Sometimes it's a hassel. If I don't see the price I have to go find someone to inquire about it. So, for me, it can be more of a hinderance," said Malay.
Joseph from Detroit said he can see why stores would support it.
"If there's no price there, the customer can't switch prices, for one thing. That makes it easier for stores. But I'd rather see the price there so I know what I'm getting," he said.
The new law does still require that prices be displayed nearby the item.
