‘Clearly Doctored’: Target Lawsuit Claims Bookshelf Packaging Images Misrepresent Product Dimensions

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Target faces a proposed class action lawsuit that claims the retailer misrepresents the true dimensions of certain shelves and bookcases by featuring doctored or altered photographs on the products’ packaging.

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According to the 15-page false advertising lawsuit, the packaging of certain bookshelves—namely, the Room Essentials-brand three-shelf bookcase—includes pictures that misleadingly depict other objects “photographically inserted” onto the furniture, creating a false impression of the Target product’s actual size or capabilities.

The class action suit was filed by a St. Louis resident who says he bought the three-shelf bookcase in December 2023 based on the image on the packaging, which shows several full-sized vinyl records and a record player fitting comfortably within the height and depth of the shelving. However, after assembling the product, the man found the shelves were approximately five to six inches too shallow to fit the same items depicted in the image, the case describes.

The plaintiff claims he was misled by the inaccurate picture on the packaging, which he contends was “clearly doctored” to misrepresent the bookcase’s true dimensions.

Like other consumers, the man would not have purchased the product had he known it was inaccurately depicted in the images on the packaging, the complaint argues.

The lawsuit against Target looks to represent anyone in the United States who purchased any of the retailer’s shelves or bookcases within the applicable statute of limitations period.

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