Attorney General's News Release

June 3, 2004

Nixon tells Columbia furniture store to stop going-out-of-business sale

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon has notified a Columbia furniture store that it must stop a going-out-of-business sale until it registers with the state. Rust and Martin advertised the sale on television and on signs posted throughout the city.

According to state consumer protection laws, all going-out-of-business sales must be registered with the Attorney General's Office at least 10 days before the sale begins. The business must inform the Attorney General of the beginning and ending dates of the sale. The sale cannot exceed 60 days.

"We want to ensure this business is not abusing the trust of consumers by advertising a sale that is not truly a going-out-of-business sale," Nixon says. "Rust and Martin must comply with the law to advertise such a sale."

Nixon ordered Rust and Martin to stop its going-out-of-business sale until it registers with his office. Signs must be taken down and advertising stopped. When a business registers a going-out-of-business sale it must include a list of what it plans to offer for sale. The business may not add to its inventory after starting the sale.

Business owners may receive a registration form for their going-out-of-business sales by calling the Attorney General's Office at 573-751-3321.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818