Walmart CEO John Furner confirmed that the company will not alter product prices based on a shopper's personal details or the specific time of day. Furner stated, "Your income, shopping history, urgency or what we think you could pay won’t change the price".
Furthermore, the retailer confirmed it will not use conversations with its Sparky AI assistant to adjust prices. Regarding store operations, Walmart plans to implement digital shelf labels across all its United States stores by the close of this year.
The switch to digital shelf labels aims to save time for store associates. Meanwhile, regulatory bodies are increasing scrutiny on pricing practices nationwide. The Federal Trade Commission is developing a policy to restrict personalized pricing.
Several states have already taken action against such practices. New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland moved to ban stores from using customers’ personal data to change prices. Additionally, New York now mandates that retailers disclose when they employ algorithmic pricing methods.
John Furner stated, "Your income, shopping history, urgency or what we think you could pay won’t change the price".
John Furner
