Connecticut Senator Seeks Probe Of Outlet Pricing
HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) - U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal says he's asking the Federal Trade Commission to review the pricing practices of outlet stores.
Blumenthal said many shoppers don't realize 85 percent of the merchandise at outlet malls is made specifically for the store and can be of lesser quality. Also, he said the supposed original prices are often some multiple of the wholesale price.
"Shoppers seeking an unbeatable bargain may be deceived," Blumenthal told WCBS 880's Monica Miller.
He says consumers have reached out to him complaining about the quality of some of the goods sold at outlet stores.
"Whether the stitching is with plastic or leather, whether the fabric is lighter weight," he said.
Blumenthal also says some stores use deceptive advertising.
"The so-called bargains may be misleading because the comparison is made to prices that don't exist even in the regular store," he said.
Blumenthal said he's working with fellow senators to collect more complaints.
The Connecticut Democrat made a similar request in January, but said the agency claimed it hadn't received enough complaints. Since then, class-action lawsuits have been filed against seven retailers alleging they've engaged in deceptive pricing.
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