Lawsuit Claims Publix Used Deceptive Pricing | Progressive Grocer
A legal complaint has been filed against Publix, accusing the supermarket chain of engaging in deceptive pricing practices at self-checkout lanes. The class action lawsuit alleges that Publix manipulated the weights of certain food products sold by weight, such as meats, cheeses, and deli items, through its point-of-sale (POS) system. The plaintiff, Wendy Koutouzis, claims that Publix’s POS system in five Tampa locations inflated the weights of these products, resulting in customers being charged more than the advertised price without their knowledge. Koutouzis asserts that she was overcharged by as much as 40% on items like pork tenderloin, providing multiple examples in her complaint.
The lawsuit is not just on behalf of Koutouzis but also seeks damages for all Publix customers who may have been allegedly overcharged at checkout. Along with seeking compensation, the plaintiff is requesting a court order mandating Publix to update its POS systems. In response to requests for comment, Publix stated that it would not be appropriate to comment on the ongoing litigation.
The legal action was filed in Miami federal court by Anthony Russo Jr. of The Russo Firm in Boca Raton. Publix, an employee-owned and -operated supermarket chain, operates more than 1,300 stores in various states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky. The Lakeland, Florida-based company is ranked No. 12 on Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America and has been recognized as one of the Retailers of the Century by PG.
The lawsuit highlights the importance of fair and transparent pricing practices in the retail industry. Customers trust supermarkets to accurately weigh and price products, and any discrepancies can erode that trust. It serves as a reminder to businesses to ensure that their systems and processes are in compliance with consumer protection laws to avoid facing similar legal challenges in the future. The outcome of this case will likely have implications for how retailers handle pricing and checkout procedures to maintain customer trust and loyalty.
Overall, the allegations against Publix underscore the need for vigilance in monitoring pricing practices to prevent any potential missteps that could harm the relationship between businesses and consumers. As the legal proceedings unfold, the retail industry will be closely watching to see how this case is resolved and what impact it may have on retail operations moving forward. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.