Bag a windfall: Shopper alert as Walmart settlement opens wallets wide

Walmart’s recent misstep might just be the boon many UK shoppers have been dreaming of, with a hefty £34 million class-action settlement pot stirring the retail waters. The mega-chain, famed for its sprawling supercenters and unbeatable deals, finds itself in hot water over accusations of overcharging loyal customers for weighted goods like meats and citrus fruits from 2018 through to 2024.

The crux of the matter? Allegations have swirled that Walmart displayed lower prices than what was rung up at the tills for items sold by weight, leading to shoppers paying more than they bargained for. Adding insult to injury, the weight of bagged produce might have been overstated, ensuring customers shelled out more per ounce than they should have.

Despite Walmart’s staunch denial of these claims, a settlement has been reached, aiming to put this issue to rest. The retail giant, housing over 4,600 stores across the US and Puerto Rico, maintains its commitment to offering customers “everyday low prices,” though they’ve opted for settlement to avoid further legal entanglements.

So, who’s in line for a payout? If you’ve passed through Walmart’s doors for your shopping needs between October 19, 2018, and January 19, 2024, you might just be in luck. Eligible customers have until June 5 to stake their claim, with the potential to pocket as much as £380—no proof of purchase necessary, though a bit of memory jogging about your purchases is required.

The compensation scale for those without receipts starts at £7.60 for up to 50 weighted items or bagged citrus fruits, climbing to £19 for those who’ve carted off 101 or more. However, if you’ve kept your receipts, you could recoup 2% of your total spend on these products, up to the £380 cap.

With the final approval hearing scheduled for June 12, eyes are eagerly set on when the payouts will begin. Though immediate gratification might be tempered by potential appeals, which could delay proceedings, hope remains high for a swift resolution.

Eager to see if you qualify for a slice of the Walmart settlement pie? You can lodge your claim through the official settlement website, with a hopeful eye towards a little extra cash padding your pockets in the coming months.