Originally Posted by sinoflyer

You repeatedly say that the sign says "2y," but the photo that you posted, as well as those from others, clearly prove that they don't make such a claim.

"¥2" would indicate a price of 2 yuan, whereas the signs say 第2个 ("the 2nd one"). Are you confusing 个 (simplified character for "piece") with ¥?

Or is your contention that the numeral "2" deceptively suggests ¥2? As with YuropFlyer's example of 9折 meaning 10% discount, this kind of advertising is endemic across Greater China. So is using 2 in the context of "2nd."

Either way, this rather bolsters the case for learning Chinese culture and language if you plan to do business with Chinese people.