Dollar General, known for its low prices and convenient shopping, has agreed to pay at least $15 million to settle complaints that it overcharged customers in its 20,000 stores across the U.S. This settlement comes after lawsuits in several states claimed shoppers often found one price on the shelf but ended up paying more at the register. If you’ve shopped at Dollar General and feel you were overcharged, you might be eligible for a repayment.
This is the second settlement Dollar General has reached this month. The company also agreed to pay $1.55 million to Pennsylvania for similar allegations. These lawsuits highlight a larger issue: since January 2022, Dollar General’s stores failed over 4,300 government price checks in 23 states. Many of these stores serve rural and low-income urban areas, where residents have fewer options for shopping.
The lawsuits targeted the company’s practices in New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. Notably, some cases were filed in New Jersey state and federal courts, while one focused on South Carolina practices was filed in Tennessee, where Dollar General is based.
Marc Dann, a lawyer representing some customers, emphasized how price mismatches affect those with limited budgets. He noted that when shoppers have a tight spending limit, finding unexpected higher prices can lead them to put items back at the register.
Dollar General has denied any wrongdoing in these cases, stating they’re opting for the settlement to avoid costly litigation. They expect to spend more than the $15 million settlement amount. If the agreement is approved in March 2026, eligible shoppers can receive a cash award starting at $10, increasing to the full amount of any overpayment. This applies to shoppers who have made complaints within 30 days, as well as those who have proof like receipts or photos.
For those without evidence, there’s a $3 discount available on a $10 purchase on specific days. To prevent future pricing errors, Dollar General plans to hire more staff and conduct external audits.
A recent investigation revealed that Dollar General stores often lack enough employees, leading to price-check mistakes. When price changes occur, registers update automatically, but staff may not have time to change shelf tags. This can result in inconsistent pricing. Family Dollar, a competitor, responded to similar concerns, stating their commitment to maintaining pricing accuracy.
For more in-depth statistics on the prevalence of pricing errors in retail, consider this industry report that sheds light on the challenges faced by retailers.
