In Germany, Wal-Mart was charged with similar predatory tactics. The complaint carries a total of 352 violations, each of which could incur a fine of $500.
The administrative law judge will review the charges and recommend further action to the department’s secretary. State officials filed the complaint after Wal-Mart failed to take corrective action following several warning letters sent as early as 1993. The company intended to force other stores out of business, gain a monopoly in local markets, and ultimately recoup its losses through higher prices. The complaint says Wal-Mart sold butter, milk, laundry detergent, and other staple goods below cost in stores in Beloit, Oshkosh, Racine, Tomah, and West Bend. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection filed a complaint with an administrative law judge accusing the retailer of violating the state’s antitrust law. In Oklahoma, Wal-Mart faces a private lawsuit alleging similar illegal pricing practices. Government officials in Wisconsin and Germany accused the retailer of pricing goods below cost with an intent to drive competitors out of the market. In September, Wal-Mart was hit with three separate charges of predatory pricing. Check out more of our work, and sign up for our monthly newsletter so that you don’t miss our latest research.
At the Independent Business initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, we research and advocate for policies that strengthen independent businesses and reduce the power of dominant corporations.
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