So, I go into a Lowe's in Alabama, wanting a dishwasher. I look at the selection, and about half of the models were marked "clearance," and were priced about 50% off.

I flagged down an associate and said that I would like the Bosch 500 series for $616. He said that he would go get one from loading/delivery/whatever.

20 mins later, he came back and said that there weren't any in back. Some form of manager walked by, and said,

"Oh, if it's marked clearance, then the display model is the last one in stock. There wouldn't be any in back."

Me: "Oh, gotcha. Then I'll take the display model."

Him: "Oh, we can't sell it. We're contractually obligated to have one on display."

Me: "To make sure I'm understanding you correctly: if a product is marked clearance, it means the display is the last one in the building, yes?"

Him: "Yessir."

Me: "And if it's the last one in the building, you can't sell it, because you have to have one on display?"

Him: "Yessir."

Me: "So, just to make sure I have this crystal-clear: products marked clearance are not available for purchase?"

Him: "Correct."

Me: "So the clearance price is meaningless, and might as well be $1, because I can't buy it?"

Him: "I guess. I'd be happy to show you some of these, though." [gestures at full-priced dishwashers]

I then left the store.

Is that seriously a Lowe's policy? I'm pretty sure that's flat-out illegal under bait-and-switch laws.

My washer is making horrendous sound after just 3 years, barely out of warranty and I heard the repair can be quite costly. Instead I was thinking about buying a newer model, same brand since reviews claim these are generally very stable. There is a 45% sale on this washer bringing the cost down to $748. My question is, should I take the deal or is there a better time in the year to buy a new washer? I heard September and October would normally be the ideal months but can it really be lower than 45%?

They also sale Ultraphase and Powerdisks.