Unsealed Docs Show Amazon Colluded with Levi’s and Hanes to Raise Target Prices
California AG Rob Bonta released unsealed documents showing Amazon colluded with Levi’s and Hanes to raise retail prices at Walmart and Target by instructing vendors to “fix,” “increase” or “manage” competitor pricing channels. Bonta has filed for a preliminary injunction in San Francisco Superior Court ahead of a January trial.
1. Allegations of Price Collusion
California AG Rob Bonta’s filings detail how Amazon instructed Levi’s and Hanes to raise retail prices on Walmart.com and Target.com, using terms like “fix,” “correct” and “manage” to ensure price parity and protect Amazon’s profit margins.
2. Legal Action and Injunction Request
Bonta has asked the San Francisco Superior Court for a preliminary injunction to bar Amazon from pressuring vendors with unfair pricing mandates while the lawsuit proceeds to trial in January.
3. Judicial Skepticism and Potential Market Effects
The presiding judge has expressed doubts over the age of some examples, but a ruling favoring the AG could force Amazon to alter vendor agreements, potentially benefiting Target’s pricing competitiveness and consumer choice.