Staff Reporter
Lowe’s has agreed to pay just over $1 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the home improvement giant of overcharging customers and engaging in false advertising, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday. The civil complaint, filed by a coalition of California district attorney offices, alleged that Lowe’s charged some customers prices higher than the advertised or posted lowest prices.
Story Highlights
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Lowe’s agrees to pay $1 million over price accuracy violations in California.
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Allegations include overcharging and false advertising in ten counties.
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Average overcharge recorded at 19.3 percent; 4.4 percent of items affected.
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Settlement includes civil penalties, investigatory costs, and restitution for consumer protection.
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Court injunction mandates a new price accuracy policy, internal audits, and a ban on weekend price hikes.
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Complaint filed by six county district attorney offices; Lowe’s settles without admitting liability.
The violations were reported in ten counties across California between 2018 and 2022. According to authorities, the average overcharge per transaction was 19.3 percent, affecting 4.4 percent of items sold during that period.
As part of the settlement, Lowe’s will pay $1 million in civil penalties, along with investigatory costs and restitution aimed at supporting future consumer protection enforcement efforts.
A court injunction will also require Lowe’s to adopt a new price accuracy policy, conduct regular internal audits, and agree not to raise prices over weekends.
“This settlement protects shoppers and ensures fair pricing at checkout,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.
He added, “Equally important, it holds retailers accountable for illegal business practices, sending a clear message that deceptive pricing will not be tolerated in California.”
The complaint was jointly filed by the district attorney offices of Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Alameda, San Bernardino, and Sonoma counties. Despite the settlement, Lowe’s did not admit any liability.
Consumer advocates say that price accuracy remains a critical issue for shoppers, particularly in large retail chains where advertised prices may differ from checkout totals. Authorities hope the settlement will set a precedent for stricter monitoring of pricing practices in the retail sector.
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