The new labels allow employees to change prices as often as every ten seconds.

“If it’s hot outside, we can raise the price of water and ice cream. If there’s something that’s close to the expiration date, we can lower the price — that’s the good news,” said Phil Lempert, a grocery industry analyst.

Apps like Uber already use surge pricing, in which higher demand leads to higher prices in real time. Companies across industries have caused controversy with talk of implementing surge pricing, with fast-food restaurant Wendy’s making headlines most recently. Electronic shelf labels allow the same strategy to be applied at grocery stores, but are not the only reason why retailers may make the switch.

  • @LordCrom
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    405 months ago

    Ooooo. Can’t wait till a hurricane is coming and they raise the price of water and canned food.

    I wonder how much price gouging will be permitted. If they can raise the price of water when it’s hot then could they raise it “just enough” to not get in trouble with the state when a hurricane is coming

    • @Burn_The_Right
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      315 months ago

      Price gouging is effectively legal in red states. Conservatives do not prosecute businesses for harming people for profit.

      • sunzu
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        fedilink
        105 months ago

        Price gouging is effectively legal in the US…

        Not sure where you live but it happens everywhere and every time there is a good opportunity to make money.