Subscription programs, which offer customers access to exclusive benefits and discounts for a recurring membership fee, are experiencing a surge in popularity in the retail sector. Most new subscription programs are launched by retailers already offering their customers free loyalty programs...

There are well-documented episodes for which prices remained at supracompetitive levels even after a cartel had been shut down by the competition authority. As long as market conditions remain reasonably stable, it is quite possible that collusive prices will still be incentive compatible so the...