NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced Feb. 1 that Advance Stores Company Inc., an automotive parts and accessories retailer, will pay $69,000 and reform its business practices after allegations of price violations.
“Consumers should not have to worry whether the price advertised for merchandise is actually the price they pay,” Porrino said. “Settlements such as this make it more likely that when consumers visit an auto parts store they will get what they pay for at the correct price.”
According to allegations, seven company stories, doing business as “Advance Auto Parts,” sold products at prices higher than what was listed at the point of display. These products would purportedly have a listed price, but consumers would actually be charged a different and higher price when they got to the register.
“It’s vital that we hold merchants accountable for the accuracy of the pricing in their stores,” said Steve Lee, director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “The division is committed to taking action whenever necessary and sending a message that deceptive conduct will not be tolerated.”
Deputy attorney general Russell M. Smith Jr. in the Consumer Fraud Prosecution Section of the Division of Law handled the case for New Jersey.