Consumer advocates are calling for Australia’s new pricing laws to be expanded to include major retailers such as Bunnings and Kmart, as concerns mount over the growing use of electronic shelf labels that could enable dynamic pricing.
The digital price tags allow retailers to update prices instantly, raising fears that prices could fluctuate throughout the day based on demand, shopping patterns or other factors. Critics warn the technology could leave consumers paying different prices for the same product.
New federal laws are designed to protect supermarket shoppers from excessive pricing practices, but campaigners argue similar safeguards should also apply to large retailers outside the grocery sector, including hardware and department stores.
Retailers say electronic shelf labels improve efficiency by reducing manual price changes, minimising errors and allowing staff to focus more on customer service. However, consumer groups are urging greater transparency to ensure the technology is not used to unfairly increase prices.
The debate comes as digital pricing technology becomes increasingly common across Australia’s retail sector, prompting renewed calls for stronger consumer protections before its use becomes widespread.
