California's attorney general has released unsealed emails alleging that Amazon colluded with other companies to raise prices on products including pet treats, khaki pants, and eyedrops sold online. The filings, made public on Monday, claim that Amazon employees worked with vendors to push retailers such as Walmart and Chewy to set higher prices collectively.
In one instance, Amazon allegedly raised prices on a set of dog treats and instructed a manufacturer to ensure Chewy followed suit. Internal messages cited in the filing show the manufacturer confirming that prices increased on both platforms simultaneously. Another example involved Levi's Dockers khakis, where Amazon flagged lower prices at Walmart, prompting Levi's to report that Walmart agreed to raise the price to $29.99.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that the evidence demonstrates Amazon's efforts to fix prices, making life more unaffordable for consumers. He accused the company of colluding with vendors and other retailers to inflate costs beyond market levels.
Amazon responded by calling the filing a distraction from the weakness of the case, noting that the evidence had been in the state's possession for years. The company reiterated its commitment to low prices and said it would respond in court. Walmart, Levi's, and Chewy are not defendants in the case, which is scheduled for trial in January 2027.
