Maryland bans personalized grocery pricing
Maryland’s new law prohibits dynamic pricing for tax-exempt food, targeting consumer-specific price hikes based on personal data.
In brief
Maryland’s new law prohibits dynamic pricing for tax-exempt food, targeting consumer-specific price hikes based on personal data. Maryland’s law blocks personalized grocery prices using consumer data but allows exceptions like loyalty programs. Originally reported by Pymnts.
First state ban on personalized pricing
Maryland will ban dynamic pricing for tax-exempt food starting October 1, 2026.
Targets specific grocery pricing
The law applies to food retailers with 15,000+ square feet selling tax-exempt food and delivery services.
Prohibits consumer-specific price hikes
It bans using personal data to set higher prices for individual shoppers.
Protects against discrimination
The law prevents using protected-class data to deny shoppers advantages available to others.
Loyalty programs still allowed
Loyalty programs are permitted but must not use data to create individualized price increases.
Enforcement and penalties
Violations face up to $10,000 fines, with repeat offenses costing up to $25,000.
State law model for others
Connecticut and New Jersey have followed Maryland’s approach to restrict personalized pricing.
The main idea
Maryland’s law blocks personalized grocery prices using consumer data but allows exceptions like loyalty programs.
