This year, Black Friday will provide greater reason for celebration in Oklahoma. The Unfair Sales Act, 1949, of Oklahoma that had made it mandatory for retailers to charge at least 6% more than cost price of an item can be avoided.
In 2011, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt gave a formal opinion that Black Friday sales could lead to violation of the law. But this holiday season Oklahoma retailers may be able to sell items below cost price, for the first time since the 40s.
The objective of the Unfair Sales Act, 1949 was clear – protect small local retailers from large enterprises that competed in the same space.
However, in the last 70 years and more, so much has changed that the protectionist attitude amounted to nothing more than losing fun and sales.
Because there is nothing that prevented purchasers from ordering items online or going for shopping sprees to other states.
Actually, the purpose of the Act was defeated in that the local retailers it sought to protect were the businesses that suffered, along with their loyal customers.
To set things right, earlier this year, the Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill allowing state and local retailers to sell general merchandise at prices of their choice for up to 10 sessions a year with each session lasting up to 15 days.
This, in effect, for the first time in more than 60 years, provides Oklahoma retailers to celebrate Black Friday sales and the Christmas holiday season at par with online and out-of-state competitors.
Certain essential items, like groceries, medications, gasoline and lumber remain subject to restrictions. But toys, gift items, gadgets, and most things that people buy on holiday season, including clothing will now be going on sale in Oklahoma.
Enjoy!