Ralph Lauren: Class action lawsuit claims retailer advertises false discount prices

Overview of the Ralph Lauren discount pricing class action lawsuit:

• WHO: Sarah Ratra has filed a class action lawsuit against Ralph Lauren Corp.
• Why: Ratra alleges that Ralph Lauren uses artificially inflated reference prices for discounted items in its Polo Factory Outlet stores to make the discounts appear larger than they actually are.
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in federal court in New York.

Fashion company Ralph Lauren advertises false discounts on goods it sells in its Polo Factory Outlet stores, a new class action lawsuit alleges.

In her class action lawsuit, plaintiff Sarah Ratra alleges that Ralph Lauren uses so-called false reference prices to deceive consumers into believing they are receiving a larger discount on discounted items than is actually the case.

“Retailers like the defendants understand the close connection between consumers’ purchasing decision processes and price and lure consumers with advertised discounts that promise enormous savings and great value,” Ralph Lauren’s class action lawsuit states.

Ratra seeks to represent a group of California consumers who purchased one or more products at a Ralph Lauren Polo Factory outlet store at a discounted price compared to the posted reference price and were not given a refund or credit for their purchases.

Ralph Lauren uses inflated reference prices for discounted items at Polo Factory Outlet stores, class action lawsuit claims

Ratra argues that Ralph Lauren uses reference prices for discounted items that are higher, contrived and artificially inflated than what anyone paid for them.

“Consumers are therefore harmed not only by not receiving the promised discount, but also by paying a premium that the products would not have cost without the system of false reference pricing,” Ralph Lauren’s class action lawsuit states.

Ratra claims that Ralph Lauren is violating the California Unfair competition And Law on Consumer Protection Means. She demands a jury trial and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as an award of compensatory, punitive and/or statutory damages for herself and all members of the class.

A consumer filed a separate class action lawsuit against Ralph Lauren late last year because the company claimed has not created his website fully accessible and independently usable by blind and visually impaired people.

Have you purchased a product in a Ralph Lauren Polo Factory Outlet store for a cheaper price than the reference price indicated? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by Gary F. Lynch, Todd D. Carpenter and Scott G. Braden of Lynch Carpenter LLP.

The Class action lawsuit over Ralph Lauren discount prices Is Ratra et al. v. Ralph Lauren Corporation et al.Case No. 1:24-cv-04816, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

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