This study tested a pricing manipulation strategy in a small grocery store to assess the impact on food sales. The prices of 35 healthy foods were decreased over time while simultaneously increasing the prices of 45 unhealthy foods. Trends in sales were examined across each manipulation period. Total sales of healthy foods remained relatively stable over time, indicating that total quantity sold increased. In contrast, total sales of unhealthy foods generally declined during the study period, indicating that total quantity sold decreased. In this store, we found that healthy and unhealthy foods may be sensitive to pricing manipulation strategies.
Published: February 2022
ID #: CAS067
Journal: Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition
Authors: Sundermeir SM, Trujillo A, Mathew D et al.
Focus Areas: Food Retail, Pricing & Economics
Keyword: Grocery store
Resource Type: Journal Article
State: Maryland
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