The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →In August 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bob Casey asked Kroger for information about its electronic shelf labels and whether the technology could enable dynamic pricing or use of sensitive consumer data. Their announcement documented an inquiry and concerns—not proof that Kroger had used surge pricing or personalized prices.
What did the senators investigate?
On August 7, 2024, Warren and Casey said they had sent a letter to Rodney McMullen, then identified in the senators’ release as Kroger’s chairman and CEO. They sought information about Kroger’s electronic shelf label platforms, including their use for dynamic pricing and collection of sensitive consumer data. The release described the lawmakers’ concerns; it did not report a finding that Kroger had engaged in surge pricing. The senators’ announcement and the letter quoted in it are the public record cited here.
The letter warned: “Widespread adoption of digital price tags appears poised to enable large grocery stores to squeeze consumers to increase profits.” The lawmakers also wrote: “I am concerned about whether Kroger and Microsoft are adequately protecting consumers’ data, and that as Kroger expands the personalized customer experience, customers will ultimately be offered a worse deal.” Those statements express the senators’ concerns, not established findings about Kroger’s conduct. The full press release reproduces the letter.
How do electronic shelf labels affect prices?
Electronic shelf labels are digital replacements for paper shelf tags. They let a retailer update displayed prices remotely rather than replacing tags by hand. In 2024, the senators’ office said Kroger began using the labels in 2018 and had expanded them to 500 stores. That is a historical figure reported by the office as of August 2024, not a current store count. The senators’ letter describes Kroger’s Enhanced Display for Grocery Environment (EDGE) shelf, developed through a partnership with Microsoft.
#1 Best Overall
- WHAT DOES 80LBS OF GROCERIES LOOK LIKE? You’re about to find out! Because these heavy duty reusable grocery bags are made from 12oz canvas, double stitched, overlocked and cross stitched on the handles! And so each one of these organized shopping bags holds 80lbs! Load them up with as much as you want.
- REAL BOTTLE POCKETS – NOT SLEEVES: Each bag is 15 x 15 x 10” making it one of the largest large canvas grocery bags on the market, today! And we’ve fitted our cloth shopping bags with 6 fully sewn pockets for 2L bottles, but also to separate smaller things. It’s like a handy bag within a bag!
- THE LONG/SHORT HANDLE LETS YOU CHOOSE HOW TO CARRY IT! Unlike other bags with only one handle VeraMia Cloth Grocery Bags have a 25” shoulder strap AND a 13” short handle. Each handle is 1.5” thick so no matter how you carry your reusable grocery bag, it gives you the most utility, and comfort.
- 100% NATURAL COTTON GROCERY BAGS: Unbleached canvas shopping bag with no ugly logos and no chemical treatment. They are machine washable grocery bags and while they will wrinkle a little, it’s nothing like how the others shrink! So Don’t freak out, it’s normal. Flatten while wet, or iron once dry.
- WINE BAG TO FARMERS MARKET BAG! We don’t need to tell you how practical reusable canvas grocery bags are. But remember, only a VeraMia Canvas Tote for groceries has a dual handle, REAL bottle pockets, holds 80lbs and is one of the biggest you’ve seen! So order this set of 3 canvas bags now from VeraMia.
Remote updates make price changes easier to implement, but the technology alone does not show why a price changed or whether different shoppers saw different prices. The cited announcement does not establish that Kroger used facial recognition, shopper profiles, or individualized willingness-to-pay data to set shelf prices.
Surge, dynamic and surveillance pricing are different claims
- Dynamic pricing generally means prices change over time or in response to market conditions.
- Surge pricing usually means a temporary increase associated with elevated demand or another short-term factor.
- Surveillance pricing means using personal data to tailor prices to individuals. A 2026 Senate announcement uses the term in that sense.
The terms can overlap in public debate, but evidence of one does not establish the others. Showing that digital labels can be updated remotely, for example, is not evidence that a retailer raises prices during demand spikes or sets a different price for each customer.
Rank #2
- Large Capacity: This eco-friendly, foldable utility tote bag offers ample storage space of 12 gallons (46 liters). Measuring 22.5"×12"×10.4", it features two mesh side pockets for small items and one zipper pocket for important items like a phone and keys
- Stay Upright: Just stretch the extra large tote bag, and it will stand on its own for convenient use. The solid bottom panel boosts stability and load capacity, while the open wire frame allows for easy loading and unloading
- Foldable Design: These reusable grocery bags feature a compact foldable design that allows for easy storage and portability. When not in use, it can be effortlessly folded up and tucked away in a drawer, making it the perfect on-the-go accessory
- Multi-Purpose Capability: It serves as a beach basket for your essentials, a spacious laundry basket, and an eco-friendly foldable shopping bag for groceries. Plus, it fits neatly in your car trunk for organized storage
- Waterproof Function: Made from thick polyester with a PE waterproof coating, this grocery tote bag is easy to clean, simply use a wet cloth to wipe off the dirt. Do not clean it in washing machine and dryer, as doing so may damage the leakproof PE coating
What later evidence and policy developments show
A 2025 working paper
A May 2025 working paper indexed by SSRN, “Electronic shelf labels have not led to surge pricing in US grocery retail, despite regulator concerns,” reported that temporary price increases affected about 0.0042% of products on an average store-date before electronic shelf label adoption. It reported an insignificant post-adoption change of 0.0006 percentage points (p=0.90). The available abstract-level information does not establish the paper’s full methods or store sample, and the result is not a Kroger-specific finding. The SSRN working paper record provides the reported result.
A 2026 legislative proposal
On February 12, 2026, Senators Ben Ray Luján and Jeff Merkley announced the introduction of the Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act of 2026. The announcement describes proposed restrictions on pricing practices; it should not be read as evidence that the proposal became law. The senators’ announcement describes the proposal.
Rank #3
- REMOVABLE BOTTOM SUPPORT FOR EASIER LOADING: Each large canvas tote bag includes a removable PE bottom board that adds structure to the base, creating a flatter bottom for easier loading at checkout, in the car trunk, or on the kitchen counter. It helps reduce bottom sagging and keeps groceries more stable while carrying
- ROOMY SIZE FOR GROCERY RUNS: Measuring 15 x 10 x 15 in with approx. 9 gal / 35 L capacity, these reusable grocery bags offer plenty of room for produce, bread, bottles, snacks, pantry items, picnic supplies, and daily essentials. A practical choice for supermarket trips, farmers' markets, warehouse shopping, family picnics, and everyday errands
- 6 SEWN INNER POCKETS FOR ORGANIZATION: Unlike a basic open tote, these reusable shopping bags are designed with 6 fully stitched inner pockets to help separate bottles, fruits, vegetables, snacks, and smaller items. The pocket layout helps keep items easier to find and reduces shifting during grocery runs
- LONG & SHORT HANDLES FOR 2 WAYS TO CARRY: Built with both short handles and long shoulder straps, this farmers market bag lets you carry by hand or over the shoulder, depending on the load. Use the short handles for quick carrying from the car to the kitchen, or the longer straps for shopping, markets, and daily carrying
- HEAVY-DUTY CANVAS, WASHABLE & REUSABLE: Made with 12 oz canvas and reinforced stitching, these tote bags are designed for repeated shopping trips and everyday storage. The grocery bags can be hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle cycle; remove the PE bottom board before washing. Like most canvas fabric, slight wrinkles may appear after washing; reshape while damp, air dry, or iron on low heat if needed
Separately, Senator Dick Durbin’s office reported an August 2026 Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on AI surveillance pricing. That broader hearing is policy context; it does not establish the outcome or continuation of the Warren–Casey inquiry. Durbin’s office summarized the hearing.
Do expired sale tags prove surge pricing?
No. In June 2025, Senator Ruben Gallego’s office summarized a Consumer Reports investigation into expired sale tags and checkout overcharges. The reported review covered 14 states and more than 150 items, with an average overcharge of about $1.70 per item, or an 18% markup over the expected discount price. That issue concerns old promotional signage and checkout prices—not evidence of surge pricing or individualized prices. Gallego’s office summarized the Consumer Reports findings.
Rank #4
- Material: The grocery bag is made of polyester, which is ultra light, wear-resistant, durable, waterproof, and can be reused repeatedly
- Design: This shopping bag features a foldable design that can be easily folded to the size of a pocket, making it easy to carry
- Application: This reusable tote grocery bag is perfect for all your daily needs, such as shopping, going to the supermarket, and storing items. It is also very suitable for various activities, such as outdoor activities, birthday parties, picnics
- Size: The storage bag measures approximately 22 * 16.9 inches and can hold up to 35 pounds of items such as books, clothes, vegetables, fruits, and milk. It has a handle that is approximately 10.2 inches long, so you can easily carry it or place it on your shoulder
- Service: If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us through the Message Center
What is known about the inquiry’s outcome?
The cited official announcement does not establish Kroger’s direct response to the August 2024 letter or the inquiry’s final disposition. It therefore supports saying that the senators requested information and raised concerns, but not that Kroger admitted, denied, or was found to have used surge pricing.
For consumers evaluating a grocery pricing practice, the useful questions are whether the price applies to everyone or is individualized, what triggers a change (such as time, demand, inventory, or personal data), how clearly changes are disclosed, and whether the retailer can document that shelf and checkout prices match. The sources cited above do not establish Kroger’s practices on each of those points.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- STURDY & DURABLE: There are reinforced handles sewn to the bottom of the tote bag for extra durability, and there is a thick removable plastic bottom insert for extra strength while grocery shopping.
- LARGE CAPACITY: 15" H x 13" L x 10" W. After extensive research, we believe this size is the most practical size. You can carry the grocery bags over your shoulder and easily carry heavy loads.
- ECO-FRIENDLY: Made of recycled polypropylene, use reusable bags to protect the environment.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Machine Washable, Hand Washing recommended, easy to fold after wash the tote bags, Hang dry only.
- VERSATILITY: These heavy duty reusable shopping bags are great for GROCERY SHOPPING, picnics, laundry, the beach, travel, and more.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
