TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- One store is reportedly finding new ways to stop "showcasing" by charging customers $5 for just browsing in their store.
"Showcasing" is a term referring to customers who browse inside of a store, try out products, but then buy the actual product online where it's often cheaper than a brick and mortar store.
Reddit user BarrettFox posted a photo online that's been garnering a lot of attention. The photo shows a sign posted outside of a store in Australia that is now charging customers a $5 "just looking" fee. The sign explains the fee will be deducted from the final purchase price.
The sign reads: "Why has this come about? There has been high volume of people who use this store as a reference and then purchase goods elsewhere. These people are unaware our prices are almost the same as the other stores plus we have products simply not available anywhere else. This policy is in line with many other clothingk, shoe and electronic stores who are also facing the same issue."
The Reddit user who posted the photo says the sign is posted at a specialty food retailer based in Brisbane, Australia.
"Showcasing" is not a new problem for retailers. Many of retail giants like Best Buy have recently announced they were expansion their guarantee price match programs to include other brick-and-mortar stores along with a series of online retailers like Amazon.com. Companies like Best Buy say they hope to remain competitive by expanding their price match program.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Do you think it's right, or fair, for a store to charge a $5 "just looking" admission fee for consumers who don't buy anything?
