Levi’s Named in Alleged Amazon Price Fixing, AG Seeks Injunction
California AG Rob Bonta unsealed emails alleging that Amazon worked with Levi’s and Hanes to impose price floors at Walmart and Target, citing vendor communications demanding price increases. He is seeking a preliminary injunction to bar Amazon from coercing vendors ahead of a January trial.
1. Unsealed Documents Reveal Price Fixing Scheme
The attorney general’s office released unsealed court filings containing email exchanges in which Amazon instructed Levi’s and Hanes to raise product prices at Walmart and Target, establishing price floors across major retailers.
2. Levi’s Role and Potential Liabilities
Levi’s communications with Amazon, including explicit directives to ‘fix’ and ‘increase’ prices, expose the company to antitrust allegations that could result in fines, injunctive relief and reputational harm among retail partners.
3. Litigation Timeline and Next Steps
The lawsuit, originally filed in 2022, is scheduled for trial in January; the AG is now seeking a preliminary injunction to bar Amazon from coercing vendors, a move that could disrupt Levi’s pricing agreements and retailer relationships.