MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota attorney general has filed a lawsuit against the Savers thrift store chain, claiming it's misleading people who donate clothing and household items about how much their donations benefit charities.

Savers uses charities' names to solicit clothing and household goods that it sells through its retail stores. But, Attorney General Lori Swanson says the for-profit retailer has "seriously misled the public" about the extent to which donations benefit charitable organizations.

The lawsuit filed in Hennepin County District Court Thursday says Savers sells the donated goods at its stores for a hefty mark-up over what it pays the charities. It says Savers doesn't pay charities anything for donations of household products, such as TVs.

The company operates 15 stores in Minnesota under the names Savers, Unique Thrift, and Value Thrift. Savers did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

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