It has some of the cheapest gas in the area and Monday, Woodman’s Market in Waukesha went to court fighting to keep its prices low.But competitors say Woodman’s is breaking the law. A judge’s decision could impact how much consumers pay at the pump. There’s a reason the gas pumps are typically busy at Woodman’s in Waukesha. “They’ve always been lower and low cost, that’s why they’re in business,” Jeff Hansen said.Monday’s price of $4.59 a gallon was more than 25 cents cheaper than the average for the metro.Those cheaper prices landed Woodman’s in court on Monday. But directly across the street from Woodman’s is an example of the heart of the issue.The Shell station, at 16 cents a gallon more, argues that it simply can’t compete.The owners of that and another nearby gas station sued, demanding Woodman’s stop selling gas at lower prices, claiming it violates what’s commonly known as Wisconsin’s minimum markup law.”I shouldn’t be shocked that there’s interest in this case, given the price of gas,” Judge William Domina said. “The issue is, were they charging at a level that was below the amount that was required by statute.”Woodman’s asked Domina to throw out the lawsuit, arguing that Wisconsin law allows it to match competitors’ prices and cited a low-priced Costco six miles away.While the competing stations pushed for a trial.”I think there are many reasons to let the case live on, said Brent Nistler, the attorney for the plaintiffs.”What this is, is a hail Mary,” said Emily Stedman, the attorney for Woodman’s.”OK, there you have it. Clear as mud,” Domina said.Domina put his decision on whether the case will go to trial on hold for now while some drivers are just hoping the lower-priced gas will keep flowing.”Everybody’s trying to save a little money here and there, and I think that’s wrong they’re getting sued for that,” Hank Reyes said.If Domina allows the case to proceed, it is set for trial in October.
It has some of the cheapest gas in the area and Monday, Woodman’s Market in Waukesha went to court fighting to keep its prices low.
But competitors say Woodman’s is breaking the law. A judge’s decision could impact how much consumers pay at the pump. There’s a reason the gas pumps are typically busy at Woodman’s in Waukesha.
“They’ve always been lower and low cost, that’s why they’re in business,” Jeff Hansen said.
Monday’s price of $4.59 a gallon was more than 25 cents cheaper than the average for the metro.
Those cheaper prices landed Woodman’s in court on Monday. But directly across the street from Woodman’s is an example of the heart of the issue.
The Shell station, at 16 cents a gallon more, argues that it simply can’t compete.
The owners of that and another nearby gas station sued, demanding Woodman’s stop selling gas at lower prices, claiming it violates what’s commonly known as Wisconsin’s minimum markup law.
“I shouldn’t be shocked that there’s interest in this case, given the price of gas,” Judge William Domina said. “The issue is, were they charging at a level that was below the amount that was required by statute.”
Woodman’s asked Domina to throw out the lawsuit, arguing that Wisconsin law allows it to match competitors’ prices and cited a low-priced Costco six miles away.
While the competing stations pushed for a trial.
“I think there are many reasons to let the case live on, said Brent Nistler, the attorney for the plaintiffs.
“What this is, is a hail Mary,” said Emily Stedman, the attorney for Woodman’s.
“OK, there you have it. Clear as mud,” Domina said.
Domina put his decision on whether the case will go to trial on hold for now while some drivers are just hoping the lower-priced gas will keep flowing.
“Everybody’s trying to save a little money here and there, and I think that’s wrong they’re getting sued for that,” Hank Reyes said.
If Domina allows the case to proceed, it is set for trial in October.
