PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A federal judge has approved a settlement in a three-year-old lawsuit against Massachusetts-based BJ's Wholesale Club.
The class-action lawsuit shepherded by Providence lawyer Peter Wasylyk contended that the retailer, which charges people membership fees to shop in its stores, shortchanges customers by failing to renew their memberships for a full 12 months as the company indicates in its application materials.
U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith approved a $2.5-million settlement in the case on Aug. 15. As a result, qualified BJ's customers will receive vouchers they can use to purchase goods at the retailer's outlets. In Rhode Island, BJ's has stores in Johnston, Coventry and Middletown. It also has stores nearby in Massachusetts, in Seekonk, Attleboro and North Dartmouth.