Michaels Customer Advances Fake-Sale Suit Against Crafting Chain

A California consumer plausibly alleged that Michaels Stores Inc. misleads purchasers into thinking they’re getting a true price break when the items are perpetually on sale, a federal judge said.

Nea Vizcarra sued in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, saying the crafting and home-decor chain deceptively advertises its products as discounted even though they are always available for at least 20% less than the purported “regular” price.

• Vizcarra raised viable consumer protection claims under California law with her allegations that the advertised sales and coupons aren’t as good as they might first appear to be, ...