Attorney General Joseph A. Foster announces that the State has entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance with Menashe Cohen, d/b/a Epic Oriental Rugs, of Hampton, New Hampshire to resolve allegations that Mr. Cohen violated the State's Consumer Protection Act by advertising and conducting a going out of business sale for longer than 60 days.

Mr. Cohen began advertising a going out of business sale at Epic Oriental Rugs during the fall of 2014. Mr. Cohen advertised this sale through store banners, direct mailers, newspaper ads, and TV commercials. Mr. Cohen's going out of business sale advertisements were published until April 2015.

The Consumer Protection Act prohibits any unfair or deceptive act or practice in the conduct of trade or commerce within this state. The Act specifically prohibits conducting or advertising a going out of business sale which lasts for more than 60 days.

Under the terms of the Assurance, Mr. Cohen must cease advertising a going out of business sale, retract any forthcoming going out of business sale advertisements, and comply with the Consumer Protection Act in all respects. Additionally, Mr. Cohen must make a payment to the State in lieu of a civil penalty and will reimburse the Attorney General's Office for investigative costs.

Consumers with consumer-related complaints or concerns can call the Attorney General's Consumer Information Line at 1-888-468-4454 or file a complaint on-line at http://doj.nh.gov/consumer/complaints/index.htm.