Sociologist Lindsay Owens has published 'Gouged: The End of a Fair Price—and What That Means for Your Wallet,' arguing that post-pandemic price increases stemmed largely from corporate pricing decisions rather than supply-and-demand dynamics. Owens, a Stanford-trained sociologist and Capitol Hill veteran, first raised the argument in a viral 2022 tweet that led to a New York Times essay before developing it into a full book examined in this review.
prospect.org
· 2026-09-29
A new book and recent reports describe how companies are using vast troves of consumer data combined with AI to calculate individualized prices for online shoppers, rather than setting prices based on product cost or general market value. The pricing can vary from person to person depending on data profiles rather than the item itself.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-09-29
Reuters reports that McDonald's has deployed AI-based dynamic pricing tools across US and some global franchise locations, adjusting menu prices based on local 'customer willingness to pay.' Documents reviewed by Reuters show a Big Mac priced $5.69 at one Fresno store and $6.89 at another two miles away, and McDonald's now requires franchisees to 'constructively engage' with its approved pricing tools while tracking deviations from algorithmic recommendations.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-29
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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