WinCo Foods to Pay Up to $200 Each to Eligible Portland Customers in Settlement

WinCo Foods has agreed to a $3.6 million settlement to resolve allegations of improperly charging a hidden 1% surcharge on Clean Energy Fund fees. This affects eligible customers in Portland, Oregon, who purchased non-grocery items between June 1, 2019, and May 8, 2022.

The settlement follows a class-action lawsuit accusing WinCo of passing the Clean Energy Fund tax onto customers without proper disclosure. While WinCo denies any wrongdoing, it has agreed to the settlement to avoid further litigation.

Eligible customers can receive up to $200 each. To qualify, customers must have purchased non-grocery items such as non-edible goods, beer, or wine from WinCo stores within Portland city limits during the specified period.

Claims must be filed by July 9, 2024. Customers can submit their claims online through the settlement website or by email. Verification will require identifying the type of non-grocery items purchased and providing a local address.

The court has appointed CPT Group Inc. to oversee the claims process and ensure all valid claims are paid. Michael Fuller, a Portland attorney representing the class, stated that customers will need to provide specific information about their purchases to validate their claims.

The lawsuit originated from allegations that WinCo did not clearly disclose the true cost of goods sold, including the 1% Clean Energy Fund fee approved by Portland voters in November 2018. WinCo maintains that all charges were itemized on customer receipts.

The final settlement amount includes $235,000 already spent on notifying customers, $1,009,500 allocated for attorney fees, $150,000 for discretionary costs, and a $10,000 service reward for the Class Representative.

The settlement is pending approval by an Oregon judge, with a hearing scheduled for August 2024. If approved, eligible customers will receive their settlement checks shortly thereafter.

This settlement marks a significant resolution to the allegations against WinCo Foods, ensuring that affected customers in Portland are compensated for the hidden surcharge.

Key Takeaways

• WinCo Foods agrees to $3.6 million settlement over hidden 1% surcharge.
• Eligible customers in Portland can receive up to $200 each.
• Claims must be filed by July 9, 2024, with verification required.
• Settlement resolves allegations of improper Clean Energy Fund fee disclosure.
• Final approval pending, with settlement checks to be sent after August 2024.