Omni Talk Retail Instacart's Pricing Retreat + Amazon's Alexa Gets Hungry | Fast Five
Jan 7, 2026
Richard McKenzie, CEO of Veloq and expert in e-grocery technology, shares insights on profitable online grocery operations. He discusses Rolik's innovative approach to centralized automated fulfillment and how they're empowering other grocers with technology. The conversation also highlights Instacart's decision to end price testing, Kroger's new SNAP discount program, and Amazon's integration of meal shopping into Alexa Plus. The hosts also touch on topics like gift card fraud prevention and pop culture quick takes.
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Pricing Tests Hurt Trust More Than Discounts
- Instacart ended randomized A/B price tests after public backlash over perceived unequal pricing.
- Chris Walton argues discounts tied to loyalty programs preserve trust better than hidden individualized price changes.
Use Personalized Discounts, Not Hidden Prices
- Leverage retail media and personalized discounts rather than secret variable pricing.
- Use loyalty-driven offers to deliver individualized savings without eroding price transparency.
Deep Discounts Can Create Sticky Cost Pressure
- Kroger launched a program giving SNAP/WIC/Medicaid recipients produce discounts and cheaper membership.
- Chris Walton warns deeply discounted programs risk long-term margin pressure and hard-to-reverse expectations.