Two Local North Carolina Area Stores Caught Overcharging Customers

Check your store receipts, North Carolina officials say, as several more retailers in the Charlotte area have been fined nearly $39,000 for price scanning errors. In total, 52 stores were fined in 33 counties for scanning errors in the fourth quarter of last year.

According to Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, many stores failed multiple inspections.

Periodic, unannounced inspections in retail stores check if shelf and register prices match. Here’s what the Charlotte Observer say they found in the Charlotte region in the latest round of checks:

▪ Circle K at 3424 Matthews Mint Hill Road, Matthews, paid $3,155 in fines for two failed inspections in September and November. An initial inspection in August showed an error rate of 20% based on 10 overcharges in a 50-item lot.

▪ Family Dollar at 7921 Old Statesville Road, Charlotte, paid $15,000 in fines. An initial inspection last March found an error rate of 40% based on 20 overcharges in a 50-item lot. The store also failed three follow-up inspections from June through October. The store also failed a December inspection with an error rate of 12.3% based on 37 overcharges in a 300-item lot and was assessed a $5,000 fine.

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USA Today recently had their readers vote for their "10 best" campaign. One of those categories was "The Best Small Towns for Shopping". And one North Carolina town made the top 10 best small towns for the shopping list! I've never been to this mountain town, so a visit may be in order. Summer is the perfect time to travel and enjoy the mainly open air shopping districts on this list. I'm surprised that I have only been to one of these towns (and it's actually the farthest one away...go figure!) But I have bookmarked multiple of these that I can't wait to visit. Shopping and historic towns are some of my favorite things.

It's not too late to plan your summer getaway and each of these small towns offers a shopping lover's paradise! Especially if you are in to unique and or handmade items. Some of these are mountain towns there could be a good winter destination as well. As long as you don't mind the cold that is.  We've got multiple areas of the country covered, so whether you want to fly or drive one of these is doable!

View the full article here or keep reading for the list!

The Best Small Towns For Shopping 

According to USA Today Readers

Located on the mid-coast of Maine you'll find Camden. The downtown is home to many upscale shops, antique shops, and general stores for all your shopping pleasure.

This scenic small town is located on the Delaware River. It's known for its history, bed & breakfasts, and of course shopping. In the downtown district, you will find a sprawling collection of boutiques, gift shops, galleries, and more!

The scenic red rocks aren't the only thing Sedona is known for. There are tons of shopping destinations no matter what you're looking for. Apparel, art, home decor, antiques, beauty, jewelry, and everything else you may want.

According to CarmelCalifornia.com: Carmel shopping is metropolitan style, though wholly unique in the setting. It is also an all-day experience, and then some. The most discriminating shopper is sure to find something of great appeal in one of the town's hidden passageways or curlicue-roofed shops. From outdoor malls to family-owned boutiques, Carmel offers a shopping environment that wants nothing but infinite time to explore.

The best small-town Georgia shopping is found in the northern part of the state in Dahlonega. Gift shops, wine tasting rooms, furniture, antiques, home decor, and more!

The main street of this mountain town plays host to unique small business shopping. Browse offerings here.

This quaint town on the Jersey Cape boasts the Washington Mall, a three-block outdoor shopping mall filled with shops, brick pathways, fountains, and benches. More shopping is also available in the Washington Commons and Carpenter Square Mall among others.

A previous winner of this title is Montpelier. While in this pedestrian-friendly town be sure to browse the numerous independently-owned boutiques, as well as local merchants selling crafts, books, music items, gifts, clothing, decor and much much more.

You'll find historic Rhinebeck nestled in the Hudson Valley. Shopping in the area is full of  Books, Music, Clothing, Shoes, Gifts, Stationery, Furniture, Jewelry, Home Decor, Art, Antiques, Wine & Spirits, and more!

The borough of Frenchtown, NJ is located along the banks of the Hudson River. And its numerous boutiques make it the best small town for shopping in the country! Guess I'll have to check it out.