Forecast: locally a 60% chance of a markdown
No, this has nothing to do with the weather forecast, but with a trial by Albert Heijn. They are going to mark down products based on factors such as weather conditions, shelf life and stock. Is it pouring with rain all day? There’s a good chance you’ll be licking your fingers that evening over a plate of discounted BBQ spare ribs.
That’s called dynamic pricing. The trial starts in the fish and poultry department in Zandvoort, as they already work with electronic price tags there. The trial will last two months. If it is a success, AH will expand it to a hundred other stores at the end of 2019. Cha-ching!
Discount goes algorithm
AH had already marked down its products before. Who doesn’t know them, the red-and-blue 35% stickers? But now they’re taking it a step further. Depending on the weather, store location, sales history and stock, the price changes.
No stress: BBQ meat prices won’t suddenly shoot up when the sun starts shining while you’re walking around the supermarket. The dynamic price only goes down, not up. The normal price will still be visible too.
Throwing food away is a real waste
Tackling food waste is increasingly becoming a priority for companies. A lower price for things that would otherwise have to be thrown away fits in perfectly with this. For now, the trial is only being carried out with fresh products from the fish and meat departments. So be patient a little longer if you want to flop down on the sofa with a tub of discounted soft serve during a downpour.
Indoor BBQ, anyone?
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