Walmart CEO Denies Dynamic Pricing, Defends AI Agent Sparky Amid Patent Scrutiny

Walmart CEO John Furner said on Sept. 25 the retailer does not set personalized prices based on customer identity, time of day, income, or shopping history, responding to concerns over its use of digital shelf labels and AI shopping agent Sparky. The statement follows scrutiny from consumer advocacy group Groundwork Collaborative, which flagged a 2023 Walmart patent for remotely controlling electronic shelf labels. The patent describes adjusting prices dynamically — for example, based on items already in a shopper's cart, such as offering a different price on mayonnaise if tuna is present. Furner said Walmart will not use data shared with Sparky to raise prices or hide lower-priced items. He cited August earnings figures showing Sparky users up 70% year over year and spending 40% more per order than non-users. Groundwork Collaborative President Lindsay Owens urged Walmart to withdraw the patent filings and "clawback" the shelf labels.