Walmart has agreed to a $1.64 million settlement after it was accused of using illegal pricing practices at 64 New Jersey locations. The pricing practices made it difficult for consumers to compare prices with other retailers, reports Reuters.
The settlement includes a $1.62 million civil fine, which is the largest ever received by the state’s Office of Weights and Measures.
In New Jersey, grocery stores are required to display prices so as not to confuse shoppers. Measurements must be clear and easily understood.
According to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, store inspections during the first quarter of 2023 revealed over 2,000 mismeasurements, with some happening in the same food category. Products were priced in a variety of ways.
“As the price of grocery items continues to rise this settlement sends a clear message that New Jersey will not allow retailers to engage in unlawful pricing practices that deny shoppers the ability to easily compare prices to figure out which product is a better buy,” said Platkin.
Walmart is not admitting to any wrongdoing, but in addition to the cash settlement, it has also agreed to improve employee training and will randomly check items to ensure proper measurements are displayed.
“We believe a settlement is in the best interest of all involved,” Walmart said in an emailed statement to Supermarket News. “We’ll always work to provide our customers every day low prices they can count on.”
The Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer announced last week it was going digital with its shelf labels, a conversion that will take two years to complete. Workers will be able to use an app to change prices.
