Washington Attorney General Nick Brown announces a lawsuit against Albertsons on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Seattle. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
SEATTLE — On Monday, Washington state filed a lawsuit against Albertsons, alleging decades-long overcharging practices through buy one, get one free promotions.
Attorney General Nick Brown accused Albertsons, which operates Safeway and Haggen stores, of inflating prices in over 3.1 million transactions from October 2019 to May 2024, netting at least $19.6 million. The suit, filed in King County Superior Court, alleges price manipulation on items such as bread and produce before BOGO promotions.
Brown’s investigation claims customers unknowingly pay premiums that offset the cost of “free” items. “Washington consumers are already burdened by affordability issues, and we’re not going to stand by and let them get fleeced by deceptive marketing,” Brown stated.
Albertsons acknowledged the lawsuit, stating disagreements with the claims, citing errors in analysis. “Albertsons Companies is committed to complying with the law and to offering customers clear value through our promotions,” the company stated.
The lawsuit highlights instances like a 16% price hike on Oroweat Premium Italian Bread during BOGO offers. Similar increases were noted for products like mini watermelon and olive oil. Previously, Albertsons settled a $107 million class-action lawsuit in Oregon over similar claims, and another undisclosed settlement in Washington in 2024.
The state alleges violations of the Consumer Protection Act against unfair practices. Brown seeks cessation of these practices, customer restitution, and penalties. Albertsons, based in Boise, operates 225 stores in Washington.
Previously, Washington challenged Albertsons’ merger with Kroger over anti-competitive concerns, leading to its blockage. Brown noted the federal consumer protection efforts have weakened, and rising grocery costs make this issue critical.
State lawmakers attempted to ban electronic pricing systems and algorithmic surge pricing, but the bill did not pass. Brown emphasized monitoring practices that may involve customer data manipulation.
This story was originally produced by Washington State Standard, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
