Mary goes into a store in which she sees a "sale" sign. While she is looking round, she notices that a sign which says, 50% off has been placed against a pair of knee high boots. She takes the pair of boots to the cashier. The cashier refuses to sell the boot at the 50% discount. Which of the following is true?
A) The cashier is in breach of contract.
B) The store is in breach of contract.
C) The conduct of the store amounts to false advertizing and Mary will be entitled to the 50% discount.
D) Mary is entitled to a 50% discount because that boots were advertized as being sold at a discount of 50%.
E) Mary is not entitled to a 50% discount because the sign was not an offer.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sign stating "50% off" against the pair of boots is not necessarily an offer, but rather an invitation to treat. An invitation to treat is not legally binding, and the store has the right to refuse the sale at the discounted price. Only when the store accepts Mary's offer to purchase the boots at the discounted price does a binding contract arise between the parties. Therefore, the store is not in breach of contract, and Mary is not entitled to the 50% discount.

Mary Goes into a Store in Which She Sees a "Sale