CVS is well known here in New England. It was founded in 1963 in Lowell, MA, is currently headquartered in Woonsocket Rhode Island, and is a success story of a local business that has grown to be the second largest pharmacy chain in the country. Recent claims in California, however, are putting this New England success story on the defensive.
Recently, in an action brought in Los Angeles County Superior Court, a judge ordered CVS Pharmacy to pay a $2.4 million settlement as a result of a civil lawsuit concerning misleading advertising. The law suit arose out after the district attorneys of Ventura, Riverside and Los Angeles counties accused CVS of charging more for items at checkout than the advertised price. The settlement also alleges the pharmacy failed to give cash back on gift cards with balances under $10 as required by law. Of the $2.4 million, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will receive $675,000 and Ventura County Weights and Measures will receive more than $14,000.
According to a statement released from District Attorney Gregory Totten, this is the second civil complaint filed in five years against CVS concerning misleading advertising. CVS agreed to pay the settlement without admitting any liability or wrongdoing.
As a local, we all like to see local businesses succeed. Hopefully this is just a bump in the road for this local success story. In the meanwhile, check you receipts.
As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
Thank you,
Michael K. Gillis, Esq.
GILLIS & BIKOFSKY, P.C.
1150 Walnut Street
Newton, MA 02461
Phone: 617-244-4300
Fax: 617-964-0862
E-mail: mgillis@gillisandbikofsky.com