Attorney General Charity Clark today announced that Walgreens will pay a settlement of $500,000 following an investigation into claims that the pharmacy retailer charged customers more at the register than prices were advertised on shelves – even after being told by state inspectors to correct the pricing inaccuracies. Between 2018 and 2024, state inspectors found 416 instances where Walgreens stores – and Rite Aid stores purchased but Walgreens in 2018 – charged Vermont consumers more than the advertised shelf price, with overcharges ranging from 4 cents to $23.40. To resolve violations of Vermont’s Consumer Protection Act, Walgreens has agreed to adhere to its pricing compliance policies and procedures and pay a settlement of $500,000, of which $25,000 will be directed to the Community Health Center of Burlington.
“Deceptive advertising harms consumers and the marketplace, and it will not be tolerated,” Attorney General Clark said. “This settlement holds Walgreens accountable and requires them to improve their practices moving forward, while also supporting the work of the Community Health Center of Burlington in providing affordable health services to Vermonters.”