NEWARK — After seven Advance Auto Parts stores were found to have sold parts and accessories above their listed price, the parent company has agreed to pay more than $69,000 in a settlement with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

According to Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino, customers at these stores reported having one price listed on the shelves and being charged a higher price at the registers. The stores would also not post the total selling price for some items as part of the complaint.

The locations of the seven stores:

  • East Orange
  • Newark
  • Linden
  • East Brunswick
  • Bloomfield
  • Avenel (Woodbridge)
  • Fanwood

The investigation started in January 2015 and ran for one month with undercover investigators being charged as much as $4.84 above the listed price.

"Consumers should not have to worry whether the price advertised for merchandise is actually the price they pay," Porrino said.

In addition, to the monetary fee, the company has also agreed to work to ensure proper pricing at the display and at the register. They have also agreed to implement a monitoring program at all 69 stores across the state, which will be subject to audits of its pricing, and provide training to managers and employees on best practices. There will also be a corporate compliance coordinator overseeing all aspects of the program.

Of the total payment, $42,000 is civil penalties, with the rest going towards attorneys' fees and investigative costs.

"Settlements such as this make it more likely that when consumers visit an auto parts store they will get what they pay for at the correct price," Porrino added.

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Contact reporter Adam Hochron at 609-359-5326 or Adam.Hochron@townsquaremedia.com

 

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