Walmart Says It Won’t Use Your Data to Set Prices

Walmart's chief executive John Furner sent a note to shoppers on Friday. He said the store does not set prices based on who you are. The message was posted on the company website.

The chain is swapping out old paper tags for electronic ones that can be updated from a single computer. These new tags let stores adjust prices in real time without a worker walking the aisles. Furner noted that this change keeps prices steady and frees staff from manual labeling. The AI helper called Sparky uses what shoppers share to suggest items that fit their tastes, but it follows the company's privacy rules.

Some people worry that using smart tech could lead to prices that change based on who is looking. Officials and lawmakers have raised questions about possible dynamic or surveillance pricing. They fear the system might track shoppers more closely than needed.

Furner stressed that Walmart has never raised prices because of personal connections and will not do so with AI. The goal is simply to keep pricing fair and consistent for everyone.