New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says that retail chain Hobby Lobby has agreed to enter into a settlement into alleged deceptive advertising. Scheiderman says the chain misled customers into thinking they were receiving steep discounts over a two year period, but the Attorney General says there were items listed as being on sale for more than 52 consecutive weeks. Schneiderman says sales that are never-ending are in violation of the false advertising law.
As part of the settlement, Hobby Lobby will change its advertising practices, contribute more than $138,000 in supplies to public schools near Hobby Lobby stores in Upstate NY, and pay $85,000 in civil penalties and other costs. In Monroe County, there are 108 schools eligible to receive gift cards for student supplies. The nearest Hobby Lobby store in the Rochester area is in Webster.
Hobby Lobby issued this statement:
"Hobby Lobby’s first priority has always been to provide outstanding value and service to its customers in New York and around the country. While we strongly disagree with the Attorney General’s allegations regarding our advertising practices, we are pleased that the resolution of the Attorney General’s claims provides an opportunity to contribute to the needs of teachers and schoolchildren in New York. We look forward to continuing to grow our business in New York State, and to providing excellent selection and value to our customers."
