California accuses Amazon of pressuring retailers to raise prices , court filings show

California accuses Amazon of pushing rivals to raise prices Newly unsealed filings in California’s antitrust case outline allegations that Amazon influenced pricing across competing retailers and suppliers California officials allege Amazon may have quietly driven up prices across the internet by pressuring retailers and brands not to undercut its listings, according to newly unsealed court evidence. The allegations, revealed Monday as part of the state’s antitrust lawsuit, claim Amazon worked behind the scenes with companies like Levi Strauss and others to influence pricing at competitors, including Walmart, Home Depot and Chewy. In one example cited by the state, Levi’s allegedly pushed Walmart to raise the price of khaki pants after Amazon raised concerns about a lower listing. In another, Amazon encouraged suppliers to coordinate price increases on products like pet treats – moves California says helped Amazon avoid having to match lower prices.