A major retailer is facing a class-action lawsuit over alleged deceptive pricing practices on its website. Emileigh Harmon filed the complaint against Lowe’s Home Centers, LLC in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina on February 13, 2026. The lawsuit accuses Lowe’s of misleading consumers by advertising “free” delivery or delivery fees based on shipping method and order weight while secretly inflating product prices online to cover these costs.
According to the complaint, Lowe’s online customers are unknowingly paying more for products than they would in-store due to hidden markups intended to offset delivery expenses. Harmon claims that this practice deceives consumers into believing they are receiving free or fairly priced delivery when, in reality, they are being charged additional fees embedded within product prices. This discrepancy between online and in-store pricing allegedly gives Lowe’s an unfair advantage over competitors who transparently disclose their pricing structures.
Harmon, a resident of Knoxville, Tennessee, alleges that she was misled by Lowe’s website into paying more for her purchases than she anticipated. She recounts placing an online order totaling $259.20 before taxes from her local store, with an advertised delivery fee of $79.00. However, she discovered that the actual cost included a concealed markup beyond the stated delivery charge. Harmon asserts that had she known about these hidden fees, she would have opted for another purchasing method or chosen a different retailer altogether.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and injunctive relief requiring Lowe’s to clearly disclose its pricing practices to consumers. Harmon argues that such transparency is necessary to prevent further consumer deception and ensure fair competition within the retail market. Additionally, the complaint cites violations of ethical business standards set forth by organizations like the American Marketing Association (AMA), which emphasize honesty and transparency in marketing practices.
Representing herself and all similarly affected customers nationwide, Harmon has brought multiple legal claims against Lowe’s under breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violations of both North Carolina’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (UDTPA) and Tennessee’s Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The plaintiff contends that these alleged violations have caused significant financial harm to consumers who relied on Lowe’s misleading representations regarding delivery costs.
The case is being handled by attorneys David M. Wilkerson from Wilkerson Justus PLLC; Scott Edelsberg from Edelsberg Law P.A.; Sophia G. Gold and Jeffrey D. Kaliel from KalielGold PLLC; among others representing Harmon and potential class members across various jurisdictions.
This lawsuit underscores growing concerns about transparency in e-commerce transactions as more consumers turn to online shopping platforms for convenience—a trend accelerated by recent global events impacting traditional retail operations worldwide.
Source: 326cv00119_Harmon_v_Lowes_Home_Centers_LLC_Complaint_Western_District_North_Carolina.pdf
