# California says Amazon forces vendors to raise prices elsewhere

> The state accuses Amazon of using its market power to push brands into price-fixing schemes that harm competitors and consumers.
- Title: California says Amazon forces vendors to raise prices…
- Summary: The state accuses Amazon of using its market power to push brands into price-fixing schemes that harm competitors and consumers. California is suing Amazon…
- Keywords: amazon, california, price-fixing, antitrust, e-commerce, retail, business, technology, forces, vendors, raise, prices
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/how-amazon-drives-up-prices-at-other-stores-2026-10
- Author: A.C. Fowler
- Published: 2026-10-09T20:39:35.184+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: amazon, california, price-fixing, antitrust, e-commerce, retail, business, technology
## California accuses Amazon of price-fixing
The state says Amazon runs a scheme forcing wholesale vendors to raise prices at competing stores like Target, Walmart, Chewy and Best Buy.
## Email evidence from major brands
California says it has discovered email exchanges between Amazon vendor managers and brands including Levi's, GlobalOne, Hanes and Scotts Miracle-Gro proving the scheme.
## Third-party sellers report pressure too
Business Insider spoke with several third-party sellers, including the inventors of the Bed Scrunchie, who say Amazon pressures them to raise prices at other retailers.
## Key takeaway

California is suing Amazon for allegedly pressuring vendors to raise prices at Target, Walmart, Chewy and Best Buy, with email evidence from brands including Levi's and Hanes.