New Jersey AG hits Apple with record penalty over retail store pricing violations

Apple and New Jersey consumer protection officials have settled a state investigation that found repeated pricing and refund policy violations in Apple stores. Here are the details.

‘The Division’s largest-ever settlement under the Merchandise Pricing Act’

In a press release signed by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin (via AppleInsider), the state announced that Apple has agreed to pay a $150,000 civil penalty and change its in-store pricing practices.

The settlement follows a Division of Consumer Affairs reinspection of 11 Apple Stores that identified missing price labels on device display tables and on accessories sold throughout the stores.

In addition, several stores were found to be missing conspicuously posted refund policies at required locations, including near cash registers and store entrances.

The reinspections stemmed from a 2017 consent order between Apple and the state. It required the company “to install continuously available pricing information for iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and other electronic devices displayed on tables in stores throughout the state,” according to the press release.

At the time, New Jersey regulators took issue with Apple’s reliance on in-store digital pricing systems that required customers to interact with devices to determine their price, arguing that the approach violated state consumer protection laws. Now, following the reinspection and Apple’s failure to comply with these regulations, the company was fined.

Here’s AG Platkin on today’s news:

The settlement, which is the largest-ever under the Merchandise Pricing Act, will require Apple to “change its business practices by, among other things”:

Apple has yet to comment on the settlement.

Accessory deals on Amazon

• AirPods Pro 3
• Beats USB-C to USB-C Woven Short Cable
• Wireless CarPlay adapter
• Logitech MX Master 4
• Apple AirTag 4 Pack