New Jersey Joins 20-State FTC Suit Against Dollar General Over Register Prices

New Jersey has joined a federal lawsuit filed Monday, Oct. 26, by the Federal Trade Commission and 20 other states accusing Dollar General of charging shoppers more at the register than the prices posted on store shelves. The complaint was filed in federal court in Tennessee, where the discount retailer is headquartered.

According to the FTC, customers nationwide have reported gaps between advertised prices and register totals. The agency alleges Dollar General knew of recurring discrepancies but did not put in place sufficient measures to prevent them. Regulators also contend the differences fall hardest on shoppers who rely on discount stores for household staples. The complaint asks for financial remedies and court-ordered changes to how the company does business.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport is among the state officials taking part in the action. Regulators say shoppers should be able to trust the prices shown on shelves without finding higher charges at checkout. The claims have not been established in court, and Dollar General can contest them.

Dollar General says accurate pricing is a company priority. In a statement, the retailer said pricing discrepancies can occur and that employees are expected to fix problems when customers raise them. The company operates more than 21,000 locations nationwide.