I have also noticed an absolutely massive increase in products having 5 star review averages as reported by Amazon, then you scroll down to the top reviews, and

I have also noticed an absolutely massive increase in products having 5 star review averages as reported by Amazon, then you scroll down to the top reviews, and it's almost pages of 1 star reviews reporting complete failures of the product. Their algorithm is basically worthless or obviously manipulated if the majority of top reviews are 1-star and yet the item has a 4.5 or 5 star average. I've stopped buying on Amazon for many things, using it mainly for repeat stuff I know that works, and I've been trying to find things at other big box stores like Best buy or Target, as you mention, or directly from the manufacturer. Amazon isn't really cheaper other than faster shipping for legitimate items from main brands anyway. In several cases, I've found Amazon to actually be more expensive for some items.