Law360
Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer recently announced the filing of lawsuits against some of the largest retailers in the United States. The complaints accused J.C. Penney Corporation Inc., Kohl’s Department Stores Inc., Macy’s Inc., Sears Roebuck and Co. and Sears Holding Management Corporation of misleading customers by advertising a “sales price” alongside an inflated “original” or “regular” price. Brought on behalf of the People of the State of California, the complaints claim that the department stores violated California Business and Professions Code Sections 17200 et seq. (Unfair Competition Law) and 17500 et seq. (False Advertising Law) by seeking to increase their sales through this “false reference pricing” scheme.