Kering investigated over failure to refund consumers for tariff-related price increases
Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating Kering S.A., owner of brands like Gucci and Saint Laurent, for allegedly passing tariff costs to consumers and failing to refund them after the Supreme Court invalidated the tariffs.
Law firm Edelson Lechtzin LLP has initiated an investigation into Kering S.A., the parent company of luxury brands including Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga. The probe will examine whether Kering increased retail prices on its products to cover costs associated with tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration, and subsequently failed to refund these additional charges to consumers after the U.S. Supreme Court declared the tariffs unlawful.
The brands under scrutiny encompass a range of luxury goods such as apparel, leather goods, footwear, eyewear, and fragrances sold in the United States during the period the tariffs were active. Consumers who purchased these products at elevated prices may be entitled to compensation, according to Edelson Lechtzin LLP.
The investigation is focusing on a potential "double recovery" scenario where Kering might have retained the higher prices charged to customers while also being eligible to reclaim the same tariff costs from the federal government. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in February 2026 that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful, opening avenues for companies to seek refunds for duties paid.
Edelson Lechtzin LLP is advising consumers who purchased relevant Kering products during the tariff period and believe they overpaid to contact the law firm to learn about their rights. The firm emphasizes that consultations are free of charge and that the investigation is ongoing, with no formal charges filed against Kering at this time.