Walmart has publicly denied that its digital shelf labels and newly patented dynamic AI pricing technology will charge customers differently based on personal data, with CEO John Furner stating income, shopping history or urgency won't affect prices. McDonald's has separately faced media scrutiny over AI systems tied to price variation across locations, calling the coverage 'speculative and misinformed.' Both companies' practices are drawing attention amid broader debate over surveillance pricing involving lawmakers and the FTC.
cnet.com
· 2026-10-01
Walmart is expanding three app-linked features — Shop to Light, Pick to Light and Stock to Light — that flash a store's digital shelf labels to help customers locate products and help associates fill online orders and restock shelves. Executive Greg Cathey said the tools, which follow a pilot program, will be live in all stores by the holiday season.
cnbc.com
· 2026-10-01
Walmart CEO John Furner stated in a website post that the company does not and will not set prices based on customer income, shopping history, willingness to pay, or time of day. The statement comes as Walmart expands digital shelf labels, which already operate in 2,300 U.S. stores and are expected to reach all locations within a year.
news.slashdot.org
· 2026-09-28
Walmart CEO John Furner published a letter to customers stating the company will not adjust prices based on shoppers' income, shopping history, urgency, or time of day. He also said conversations with Walmart's Sparky AI assistant will not be used to alter prices. The statement follows Walmart's earlier announcement that digital shelf labels will be installed in all US stores by year's end.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-28
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