Legal Question in Business Law in California

Re: false advertisement

There are various provisions of the Business and Professions Code that outlaw unfair or deceptive business practices in general, and in a few cases hone in on specific practices such as bait-and-switch, loss leaders (B&P 17030, 17044), and false or deceptive advertising (B&P 17500).

Your situation might come under either the general provisions or something specific such as bait-and-switch or false advertising, but I'm not sure. I don't follow court decisions in this area. I'd think most of the bigger stores would be aware of the law and careful to skirt anything outright illegal, but I could certainly be wrong.

The real issue for you would be economics of pressing suit against the store. In some B&P actions, the practice is a crime and the action belongs to the District Attorney, and it's uncertain (to me) whether there is a private remedy unless you can prove damages to you. In some cases, a private action would be permitted or necessary, and you'd perhaps even be entitled to recover your attorney fees for bringing and winning the suit.

If you are sufficiently offended by the practice to want to invest some time, I suggest you call a few local attorneys who practice consumer advocacy law and see if you can find someone who'll work with you on a basis you can afford. Alternatively, call or write the DA's office.