Lawsuit says Safeway, Haggen BOGO deals cost Washington shoppers millions

Key Points:

• Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has sued Albertsons Companies, alleging the grocery chain deceptively overcharged customers through "buy one get one free" (BOGO) deals by inflating prices before promotions and lowering them afterward.
• The lawsuit claims that more than 3 million transactions in Washington from October 2019 to May 2024 involved this pricing tactic, generating up to $19.7 million in disputed revenue for Albertsons, Safeway, and Haggen stores.
• Examples cited include significant price hikes on items like olive oil, bread, hoagie rolls, and mini watermelons before BOGO promotions, followed by price reductions after the deals ended, misleading customers about the true savings.
• Albertsons Companies disputes the allegations, stating the claims are based on flawed analysis and data errors, and emphasizes their commitment to legal compliance and transparent promotions while the matter is resolved in court.
• Attorney General Brown seeks a court order to halt the pricing practices, restitution for affected consumers, and civil penalties against Albertsons.