US lawmakers call for FTC probe into convenience store pricing practices
Thirty-four members of Congress urge investigation into overcharging at major dollar and convenience store chains.
At a glance
- 34 members of Congress called for FTC investigation into overcharging
- Letter sent 28 October in response to Guardian investigations
- Four major dollar-store and convenience-store chains examined
- Investigations found widespread mismatches between shelf labels and register prices
Thirty-four members of Congress have written to the Federal Trade Commission requesting an investigation into widespread overcharging by major convenience and dollar store chains. The letter, sent on 28 October, follows Guardian investigations that documented mismatches between shelf labels and register prices at four of the nation's largest retailers in these categories.
The lawmakers characterised the pricing practices as a "systemic failure" requiring FTC action. The investigations identified pervasive discrepancies between advertised and charged prices across multiple locations.
Why it matters
The allegations suggest potential consumer protection issues affecting millions of shoppers at major retail chains across the United States.
Original reporting
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