Why Retailers Need to Pay Attention to Website Accessibility?

In 2024, website accessibility lawsuits saw a significant 47% decline overall. However, the retail sector experienced a 72% increase in its share of total cases. This shift indicates that while some industries are seeing fewer lawsuits, retail businesses, especially e-commerce platforms, remain prime targets for accessibility litigation (2024 Website Accessibility Lawsuit Report).

As more accessibility lawsuits target retailers, it’s crucial to understand the specific legal landscape and why the industry has become a prime focus. The retail sector’s reliance on digital platforms for e-commerce, customer engagement, and transactions makes it especially vulnerable.

Consequently, with a growing emphasis on inclusive digital experiences, failing to meet accessibility standards doesn’t just pose legal risks it also impacts customer retention, sales, and brand reputation.

An example of how accessibility compliance can improve business outcomes can be seen in our MedReleaf case study. QA Consultants worked with MedReleaf to ensure AODA compliance, proving that proactive accessibility testing can help businesses not only avoid legal risks but also enhance user experience and inclusivity.

📌 Key trends from the 2024 Website Accessibility Lawsuit Recap:

• 1,202 cases were filed in U.S. federal and state courts (a sharp decline from 2,281 in 2023).
• New York led the charge with 780 lawsuits, making up 65% of all cases
• Retail, consumer goods, and food industries saw 71% of lawsuits, with retail growing its share by 72%.
• Mobile apps and AI-driven platforms are emerging legal targets, reflecting a shift beyond traditional websites.
• 48% of companies sued had been sued before, indicating that maintaining long-term compliance remains a challenge.

The Hidden Risks of Accessibility Non-Compliance

Even with fewer cases being filed, organizations that fail to meet accessibility standards like WCAG 2.2, ADA, and AODA remain vulnerable. Lawsuits continue to target:
✔️ Inaccessible checkout processes
✔️ Poor mobile usability
✔️ Navigation barriers
✔️ Missing alternative text for images
✔️ Non-functional screen readers

These issues don’t just expose businesses to legal action. They alienate millions of users with disabilities, reduce market reach, and create reputational damage.

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[Case Study] How AODA Compliance Helped MedReleaf Enhance Accessibility

QA Consultants helped MedReleaf, a leading medical cannabis company, ensure AODA compliance through on-demand accessibility testing. By identifying and fixing key accessibility gaps, MedReleaf improved user experience, legal compliance, and digital inclusivity.

🔗 Read the full case study here: On-Demand AODA Compliance Testing for MedReleaf

How to Stay Ahead of Accessibility Lawsuits?

Many organizations make the mistake of relying solely on their development teams or automated accessibility tools to ensure compliance. While these are valuable resources, they alone are not sufficient to fully meet WCAG, ADA, or AODA standards. Automated tools can miss complex usability issues, and development teams may not always have the specialized expertise required to ensure accessibility for all users.

🛠️ Get a Website Accessibility Audit

A professional accessibility audit can proactively identify compliance gaps before they become legal risks. Our team specializes in AODA, ADA, and WCAG compliance assessments.

Final Thoughts

While website accessibility lawsuits have declined overall, retail businesses face increased scrutiny. With WCAG 2.2 updates and mobile-first lawsuits on the rise, retailers must take a proactive approach to digital accessibility to protect their business and provide inclusive experiences.

Beyond legal risks, prioritizing accessibility is also a competitive advantage. Retailers that create inclusive experiences can expand their customer base, improve user satisfaction, and foster brand loyalty. In addition, they stay compliant with regulations.

Accessibility compliance is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative.

📑 For more insights, check out the full report here: 2024 Website Accessibility Lawsuit Report