Burberry Faces U.S. Lawsuit Over ‘Misleading’ Discounts

February 12, 2016, 9:27 AM UTC
Kate Moss Modelling Contracts At Risk
LONDON - SEPTEMBER 23: An advertisement for Burberry featuring the face of the campaign Kate Moss is displayed in Knightsbridge on September 19, 2005 in London, England. Moss's modelling contracts are under threat following revelations of her drug taking and troubled private life with her reportedly now ex-boyfriend Pete Doherty. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

British luxury fashion brand Burberry (BURBY) is to face a class action lawsuit in the United States, claiming it used misleading price tags at its outlet stores to fool shoppers into believing they were getting big bargains.

The company, which specifically manufactures some of the products for its outlet stores, is accused of intentionally presenting false price information on products that have never been sold in its retail stores to mislead customers.

Burberry declined to comment.

Outlet stores typically sell excess or old stock at a discount, although some retailers also manufacture goods specifically for them.

The lawsuit in the latest in a long line of cases accusing luxury retailers of marking up goods sold in outlet stores with made-up manufacturer prices.

Last year, U.S. retailer Michael Kors Holdings (KORS) agreed to pay $4.88 million and change its sales practices to settle a similar class action lawsuit after it was accused of creating an “illusion” of deep discounts.