> Walmart is developing algorithmic tools to shape how it sets prices, even as US lawmakers intensify scrutiny of data-driven pricing in grocery and retail. The retailer has secured two US patents this year covering automated markdowns and machine learning-based demand forecasting, adding to a broader portfolio of nearly 50 US patents granted to the company so far in 2026.

> Walmart says the new systems are not designed for surge or individualized pricing, but their capabilities arrive at a moment when lawmakers are moving to restrict precisely those practices.

> One of the patents, issued in January, describes what Walmart calls an "end-to-end price markdown system" for its e-commerce platforms, including Walmart.com. According to the filing, the system would dynamically and automatically update item prices to implement markdowns based on data such as predicted demand and consumers' price sensitivity.