Walmart Settles Class-Action Lawsuit, Shoppers Could Claim Up to $500
Walmart customers across the United States and Puerto Rico may find themselves eligible to claim compensation of up to $500 as part of a recently settled class-action lawsuit against the retail giant. The lawsuit, which was initially filed in late 2022 and subsequently amended in 2023, alleges that Walmart engaged in deceptive pricing practices, particularly concerning certain sold-by-weight products.
The lawsuit specifically targeted Walmart’s pricing strategies for items featuring the retailer’s “rollbacks” or discounted prices. It alleged that customers were misled into believing they were receiving discounted rates on products such as meats, poultry, and seafood, only to be charged inflated prices at the checkout.
Additionally, the lawsuit claimed that Walmart mislabeled the weight of bagged produce items, including oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines, leading consumers to overpay for these goods.
In response to the allegations, Walmart reached a settlement agreement last year, agreeing to pay a total of $45 million to affected customers. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Walmart deemed it in the best interest of both parties to settle the matter.
According to the terms of the settlement, any Walmart customer who purchased weighted goods or bagged citrus at a Walmart store, supercenter, or neighbourhood market store in the United States or Puerto Rico from October 19, 2018, through January 19, 2024, could potentially qualify for compensation.
The compensation amounts vary depending on the number of items purchased and whether customers have proof of purchase. Customers without receipts can still make claims, with compensation ranging from $10 to $25 based on the quantity of goods purchased. For those with receipts or other proof of purchase, compensation could reach up to $500, equivalent to 2% of the total cost of the substantiated purchases.
To file a claim, Walmart shoppers can either submit their claims online or through the mail, with the deadline set for June 5, 2024. Additionally, customers can also attempt to retrieve receipts from Walmart’s website to substantiate their claims.
As the settlement process unfolds, Walmart reaffirms its commitment to providing customers with everyday low prices and ensuring transparency in its pricing practices.
