The Guardian reported Wednesday that 34 House Democrats asked the Federal Trade Commission to examine reported checkout overcharges at four retail chains, a concern for shoppers with few nearby alternatives.
The Guardian reported that the lawmakers’ Oct. 28 letter was addressed to FTC Chair Andrew N Ferguson and named Dollar General, Family Dollar, 7-Eleven and Circle K. The lawmakers cited rural and underserved communities where some residents may have few places nearby to buy food beyond dollar and convenience stores.
The Guardian’s December 2025 investigation reported that Dollar General stores failed more than 4,300 government price inspections across 23 states over three years. It reported that Family Dollar stores failed more than 2,100 inspections in 20 states during the same period. A separate September investigation by the outlet covered complaints and inspections involving 7-Eleven and Circle K, including reports of gasoline pump prices exceeding those displayed on roadside signs.
The FTC and 20 states filed a lawsuit against Dollar General on Oct. 26 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. The complaint alleges the chain repeatedly charged more at checkout than advertised and lacked adequate safeguards despite prior complaints. It says the practices cost consumers millions of dollars, including low- and fixed-income shoppers.
The Guardian’s earlier reporting cited manual shelf-label changes and staffing pressures as possible contributors to price mismatches. The FTC complaint also lists seven prior state pricing settlements since 2019, totaling more than $6 million.
Dollar General said it expects shelf and checkout prices to match, while acknowledging occasional discrepancies. It said employees are expected to correct them and that it plans to defend the lawsuit. The Guardian said written responses from all four retailers described efforts to keep displayed and charged prices consistent.
The case remains pending in the Middle District of Tennessee.
