We study the optimal behaviour of a cartel faced with fringe competition and imperfectly attentive consumers. Intertemporal price dispersion obfuscates consumer price comparison which aids the cartel through two channels: it reduces the effectiveness of free riding by the fringe; and it relaxes...

We adapt the framework of Spiegler (2016) to examine the effect of limited product comparability on the viability of collusion. Firms choose messages to influence the propensity of consumers to compare products. The cartel hinders transparency on the equilibrium path, and seeks it for optimal...

We develop a theory of optimal collusive intertemporal price dispersion. Dispersion clouds consumer price awareness, encouraging firms to coordinate on dispersed prices. Our theory generates a collusive rationale for price cycles and sales. Patient firms can support optimal collusion at the...