JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster announced a lawsuit Tuesday against Walgreen Co. of Illinois for allegedly engaging in deceptive pricing at locations in five Missouri cities.
The lawsuit alleges that in June and July, Walgreens engaged in false, misleading and deceptive pricing and advertising schemes to lure consumers into buying certain products. Walgreens allegedly advertised lower prices on display tags while charging higher prices at the checkout in its stores in Osage Beach, Jefferson City, Springfield, Kansas City and St. Louis.
Walgreens also offered a rewards program that promised savings or price reductions at the register, but the company allegedly did not always honor the savings as advertised. Walgreens also allegedly left inaccurate sale display tags on shelves beyond their expiration dates.
"Consumers have a right to expect the price they will pay at the register is the same as the price displayed on the shelf," Koster said. "The sheer volume of tags on the shelves makes it nearly impossible to recall the details of each offer. Consumers should not have to double-check the price tags or signage and compare them to the prices charged at the register."
Koster's lawsuit seeks an injunction that would prohibit Walgreens from engaging in deceptive pricing, in addition to civil penalties and attorney and court costs.
Missouri AG files lawsuit against Walgreens over allegedly deceptive pricing
