Attorney General's News Release

April 29, 2010

Attorney General Koster announces judgment in Office Depot case --company pays $320,000 restitution--

Jefferson City, Mo.-Attorney General Chris Koster said today he has obtained a consent judgment against Office Depot, Inc., for alleged violations of Missouri's Merchandising Practices Act.

Koster said a year-long investigation by his office revealed a number of issues with overcharging Missouri government and non-profit customers, including misrepresenting cost savings and failing to be forthcoming about such cost savings in their ads and sales pitches.

Koster said that under the judgment, Office Depot will pay $320,000 in restitution and $120,000 to reimburse the state for the cost of the investigation and enforcing the Missouri Merchandising Practice Act.  The court also issued a permanent injunction prohibiting Office Depot from violating the Missouri Merchandising Practice Act and suspended a $100,000 penalty contingent on compliance with the terms of the judgment and permanent injunction.

"Consumers have a right to have full confidence that a company's ads and sales pitches are honest and accurate," Koster said.  "Businesses that try to increase their profits by deceiving Missouri consumers should understand that the Attorney General's Office will take action."