05:38 AM EDT, 07/08/2024 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with response to Walmart ( WMT ) in the last paragraph).

Walmart ( WMT ) must face a proposed class action lawsuit claiming the retailer charges higher prices at the checkout counter than it posts on shelves, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday.

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago reversed a lower court ruling and decided that a class action representing consumers who claim Walmart ( WMT ) was engaging in a fraudulent "bait-and-switch" in violation of state consumer protection laws could move forward.

The lawyers for complainant Yoram Kahn said they found similar discrepancies between shelf prices and cash register prices in Florida, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and North Carolina, according to the court document.

"We reverse because the complaint states some viable claims," the court ruled.

In a statement to MT Newswires, Walmart ( WMT ) said it will challenge the allegations. "We'll always work to provide our customers everyday low prices they can count on."

"We are confident in the evidence and look forward to arguing our case," a spokesperson said.

Price: 69.95, Change: -0.09, Percent Change: -0.13