Photo credit: globalnews.ca
The Superior Court of Quebec has granted approval for a class action settlement exceeding $2.5 million against Dollarama Inc. concerning the retailer’s implementation of eco fees.
Eco fees, also known as environmental handling fees, are additional charges imposed by retailers on certain items such as electronics, batteries, light bulbs, and toys to contribute to recycling efforts.
The class action was initiated by a plaintiff, represented by the Quebec law firm LPC Avocats, who claimed that Dollarama failed to adequately display the pricing for products that incurred eco fees. It was alleged that the final prices charged exceeded both the displayed amounts and those permissible under the law.
Stay Informed on Financial Matters
Receive expert analysis, answers on market trends, housing updates, inflation, and personal finance guidance every Saturday.
Under the terms of the settlement, Dollarama will not acknowledge any wrongdoing. However, the retailer has committed to providing affected customers with Interac e-transfers ranging from $3 to $10.
Customers who purchased items with eco fees from Dollarama between May 29, 2021, and July 4, 2023, are eligible for these compensation payments.
Additionally, individuals who bought products subject to eco fees in Quebec between December 11, 2019, and July 4, 2023, can also claim compensation.
“Dollarama and class counsel have agreed to settle the claim related to our price display practices for applicable products where eco fees need to be collected,” the company stated.
In the statement, Dollarama emphasized, “Similar to all other retailers, Dollarama applies eco fees where appropriate, but due to our fixed product pricing, we have displayed our retail price and eco fee separately.”
Source
globalnews.ca