US lawmakers demand action on overcharging at 7-Eleven, Dollar General and other chains
Democrats urge FTC to tackle ‘systemic failure’ of biggest convenience and dollar stores over pricing practices after Guardian investigations
TL;DR
- 34 members of Congress have asked the FTC to investigate overcharging by major retailers like Dollar General and 7-Eleven.
- Guardian investigations found pervasive price mismatches at Dollar General, Family Dollar, 7-Eleven, and Circle K.
- Dollar General failed over 4,300 price-accuracy inspections, and Family Dollar failed over 2,100.
- Convenience stores allegedly overcharged for various items, including gasoline.
- Lawmakers believe the overcharging is due to systemic corporate failures, not isolated incidents.
- The FTC recently filed a lawsuit against Dollar General for a pattern of inaccurate pricing.
- Affordability is a major concern for voters, with gas and grocery prices being top issues.
- Some lawmakers highlight that these stores are often the only options in underserved areas.
- One congresswoman shared a personal experience of being overcharged at a Dollar General.