Vineyard Vines Sued in Washington State Over Allegedly Misleading Email Sales Tactics
SEATTLE, WA – Vineyard Vines is facing a new class action lawsuit in Washington state court, alleging the retailer uses deceptive email subject lines to lure customers into making purchases under false pretenses of limited-time offers. The suit, filed in King County Superior Court, claims the company violates the Washington consumer Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) and the state’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
Plaintiff angee Harrington alleges Vineyard Vines routinely employs tactics designed to create a false sense of urgency.According to the complaint, the company sends emails with subject lines advertising limited-time sales, only to follow up with announcements that the sale has been “extended,” a practice Harrington argues was planned from the outset.
The lawsuit further contends that Vineyard Vines misrepresents the terms of promotions within email subject lines. For example, a subject line promising “30% Off Everything + FREE Shipping” allegedly leads consumers to believe the discount and free shipping apply to all products, when in reality a minimum order of $150 or more is required.
“Vineyard Vines’ emails mislead consumers about the terms of its promotions, creating a sense of urgency that prompts them to make purchases they might not otherwise make,” the lawsuit states.
Harrington argues that these practices violate CEMA, which specifically prohibits false or misleading information in commercial email subject lines. A CEMA violation is considered a per se violation of the Washington CPA, potentially leading to meaningful penalties.
The class action seeks an injunction to halt the alleged deceptive email practices, statutory damages for each illegal email sent, and reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and costs. The suit is brought on behalf of Harrington and other Washington residents who received the allegedly misleading emails.
The complaint also references Federal Trade commission regulations prohibiting sellers from advertising “limited” offers that are not genuinely limited in duration. Harrington further claims the tactics are used to increase email volume, potentially clogging inboxes and diverting attention from other communications.
This lawsuit echoes a similar recent case against Southwest Airlines, which also faced allegations of using deceptive subject lines in emails sent to Washington consumers.
harrington is represented by Kaleigh N.Boyd of Tousley Brain Stephens PLLC, Edwin J. Kilpela Jr. and James Lamarca of Wade Kilpela Slade LLP, and Evan E. North of North Law PLLC.
The case is Harrington v. Vineyard Vines LLC,Case No. 2:25-cv-01115, in the Superior Court for the State of Washington in and for King County.
