Grocery Stores Erect Fake 'Farmer's Markets' in Parking Lots to Trick Shoppers

Although many consumers still understand the difference between a grocery store and a farmers market, some chains have taken the deception one step further.

In June, Safeway stores in the Seattle area put up signs next to outdoor stacks of produce announcing a "Farmers Market" -- yet the produce being sold was the same as that inside the store. A complaint by the Washington State Farmers Market Association led the store to rename the display.

Complaints had no effect on Albertsons supermarkets in Washington, Oregon or Idaho who have pursued similar tactics, however. A spokesperson for parent company Supervalu defended the term, noting that all the produce on display was indeed grown locally.'

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