AI in retail raises risk of personalized pricing for shoppers

Supermarkets and fast-food chains are adopting AI tools like electronic shelf labels, facial recognition checkout and pricing algorithms. A federal antitrust lawsuit accuses McDonald's of using an AI "pricing engine" to set menu prices, which the company denies. Experts and Bank of England economists warn the line between dynamic and personalized pricing is blurring.

• McDonald's faces a US antitrust lawsuit over an AI menu "pricing engine"
• Kroger uses an AI platform called FlashFood to mark down perishables
• Electronic shelf labels spread across Kroger, Amazon Fresh, Walmart and Whole Foods
• New York, Maryland, New Jersey and Connecticut curb data-driven pricing