April 21, 2016

New York announced a settlement with the national drugstore chain Walgreen, Co. and its subsidiary Duane Reade (collectively, “Walgreens”) for overcharging New York consumers and using misleading advertisements. In addition to paying $500,000 in penalties, fees, and costs, Walgreens has agreed to several important reforms of its current advertising and business practices in New York. The Attorney General’s undercover investigation had found that Walgreens deceptively induced New York consumers to purchase products. Among other claims, the investigation found that Walgreens represented to consumers that they would receive the price published in print advertisements and on store shelf tags, but charged consumers a different price at the register. Walgreens operates approximately 251 Walgreens and 214 Duane Reade stores across New York State. NY