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Planet Money

Is dynamic pricing coming to a supermarket near you?

Mar 6, 2024
Dynamic pricing is shaking up traditional grocery pricing, calling into question why all milk costs the same despite varying sell-by dates. Experts explore the potential benefits of flexible pricing to reduce food waste and improve customer satisfaction. With innovative tools like electronic shelf labels emerging, supermarkets may soon catch up with tech-driven industries like airlines. The idea raises fascinating challenges, from inventory accuracy to consumer perceptions. Could this pricing revolution change how we shop at our favorite stores?
25:47

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Supermarkets historically transitioned from haggling to price tags to standardize pricing for efficiency.
  • Dynamic pricing initiatives in supermarkets tackle challenges like food waste and optimize pricing strategies.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Grocery Pricing

Supermarkets historically used haggling to set prices, but eventually adopted price tags to standardize pricing. Setting prices for perishable items like blueberries involves complexities regarding consumer behavior and product lifespan, leading to potential waste and inefficient pricing strategies.

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