Would it have been a problem in this case if, as a TL, they directed one of their TMs to mark it down? Obviously that might not show on a report as easy, but it still strikes me as iffy.
A while back, a TL in our store wanted a display tv we were swapping out. The TL called over one of their TMs and had them put it through 2nd markdown and instantly took it to the register and bought it.
Obviously, that runs afoul of the 15 minute rule, but what about the directing a TM to mark it down with the clear intent of purchasing it and without giving the guests any opportunity to buy it at even the 1st markdown price before going to the 2nd?
And did that TM do anything wrong? Could they potentially try to blame them (either instead of or in addition to the TL) even though they were directed to do it (as I recall, they weren't told that it was for a TL purchase until they had marked it down already)