Vineyard Vines Class Action Says Outlet Prices Are Deceptive

Vineyard Vines uses false sale prices to drive consumer purchases, according to a recent class action against the clothing retailer.

The recent Vineyard Vines class action lawsuit describes the retailer’s clothing as “New England chic, crossed with a Kenny Chesney concert, layered with pastels.”

At Vineyard Vines outlet stores, clothing is allegedly offered at a universal 25 percent off. This “sale” is reportedly reflected on clothing price tags which feature a “suggested retail” price and “our price,” which is 25 percent lower than the suggested retail price.

Clothing at the outlet store is reportedly portrayed to be identical to products sold in retail stores and the reduced prices are based on prices for similar items at the Vineyard Vines retail stores.

Although the products at outlet stores are portrayed to be the same as those found in retail stores, the Vineyard Vines class action claims that the store’s outlet clothing is never actually sold in the main stores.

“The outlet products are not actually identical to the retail products, as they were not previously sold at the retail store nor transferred to the outlet store to clear space for a new season’s merchandise, as shown through the interior tags of the Products,” the Vineyard Vines class action lawsuit claims.

The tags on outlet clothing allegedly contains an “OS” code which stands for “outlet store.” This reportedly indicates that the clothing is manufactured specifically for the outlet stores rather than clothing from the regular stores being diverted to the outlet stores once its out of season.

Despite outlet clothing being completely different than main store clothing, Vineyard Vines allegedly portrays the two stores’ clothing as similar enough to result in price comparisons. As a result, consumers are reportedly deceived into thinking they are getting a good deal based on false comparison prices.

“Despite their similarity in appearance and classification, the outlet products’ pricing is misleading because they do not have a true suggested retail price identical to the price for the comparative product in the retail store,” the Vineyard Vines class action argues.

Most consumers allegedly rely on these representations when purchasing products. The Vineyard Vines class action claims that shoppers are unknowingly being taken advantage of by these representations and that consumers may not make purchases if they are not influenced by the comparative pricing.

Plaintiffs in the Vineyard Vines class action seek to represent a Class of New York consumers who purchased any outlet store clothing products which contained comparative pricing.

The Vineyard Vines class action lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, monetary damages, punitive damages, restitution, disgorgement, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.

Have you purchased Vineyard Vines clothing that was advertised with a “suggested retail” price? Share your story with us in the comment section!

Plaintiffs and the proposed Class are represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates PC and Michael R. Reese of Reese LLP.

The Vineyard Vines Outlet Pricing Class Action Lawsuit is Casio, et al. v. Vineyard Vines LLC, Case No. 2:19-cv-05135-JMA-AYS, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

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