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Mass Consumer Affairs Blog
The Official Blog of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Small businesses are the heart of our communities. These businesses not only provide locally sourced items, but the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports that more than half of working Americans either work for or own a small business. In celebration of these small business …Continue Reading National Small Business Week
Retailers aren’t the only ones hoping to capitalize on the upcoming long weekend shopping sprees, scammers are waiting to take advantage of consumers enjoying Labor Day discounts. While some shoppers will hit the mall, most will access the internet in search of sales or to …Continue Reading Labor Day Deals and Online Shopping Scams
This year for the first time, Juneteenth will be celebrated as a state holiday. Governor Baker signed this into law on July 24, 2020, to recognize “the continued need to ensure racial freedom and equality.” Juneteenth is an annual celebration commemorating the end of slavery …Continue Reading New State Holiday “Juneteenth Independence Day”
There is no place like home. Or in this case, there is no better place to shop than close to home. Keeping small businesses in the Commonwealth alive and running has never been safer, easier, or more important. The My Local MA initiative, championed by …Continue Reading Buy Here: My Local MA Promotes Patronizing Businesses Close to Home
For the second year in a row we invited you to take a jog down memory lane with us as we looked back at the worst consumer products with our “Top 10 Worst Products for Massachusetts Consumers” list. The Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation …Continue Reading Top 10 Worst Products for Massachusetts Consumers of the Year 2020
The holidays are here and as you both give and receive gifts it’s likely you will find some cases in which items are the wrong size or style or color, are damaged, or otherwise just not right. This means one thing—returns. Unfortunately, there is no …Continue Reading Shopping Series 2020: Holiday Returns
The pandemic has forced consumers to shop online with increasing frequency. However, when buying virtually, things are not always as they seem. Unlike when you enter a brick and mortar store, when you shop online– even with brands you know and trust– you are not …Continue Reading Shopping Series 2020: Third Party Vendors
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are days away. And, the countdown to Christmas, Hanukah, and Kwanza is on. Are you ready to shop this holiday season? As you make your shopping list and check it twice, you will likely find yourself buying more things online …Continue Reading Shopping Series 2020: Online Shopping
Consumers deserve to feel confident that the price they see advertised in stores is the price they’re going to pay. That’s why the state’s Division of Standards (DOS) annually inspects retail stores to make sure their pricing is accurate. While overall inspectors find accurate pricing, …Continue Reading What You See is What You Get: Shopping Price Accuracy
In her novel Confessions of a Shopaholic, author Sophie Kinsella writes about shopping “you can always find something you want.” And as many consumers can attest, she’s right. In fact, the average consumer in the United States spends almost $2,000 a year on clothes and …Continue Reading Layaway? Not exactly
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2021