Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- surge / sɜrdʒ / (n.) – a sudden and strong increase in something, like a feeling, an amount, or a force
Example:During the summer, we often see surges in electricity use because many people turn on their air conditioners.
- instantly / ˈɪn stənt li / (adv.) – in a way that happens immediately, without any delay
Example:The online customer service chat connects you to an agent instantly, so you don’t have to wait a long time for help.
- misplaced / ˌmɪsˈpleɪst / (adj.) – not right or not suitable for the person, thing, or situation it is meant for
Example:Jackson’s fear of the new boss was misplaced because she turned out to be kind and supportive.
- virtually / ˈvɜr tʃu ə li / (adv.) – almost or nearly; not completely, but very close to it
Example:The classroom was virtually empty. Only two students came.
- mundane / mʌnˈdeɪn / (adj.) – ordinary, boring, or not special because it happens often
Example:Washing dishes and folding laundry are often seen as mundane activities, but they are necessary parts of daily life.
Article
Read the text below.
Digital price labels, which are rapidly replacing paper shelf tags at US supermarkets, haven’t led to demand-based pricing surges, according to a new study that examined five years’ worth of prices at one grocery chain.
But some shoppers, consumer advocates and lawmakers remain skeptical about the tiny electronic screens, which let stores change prices instantly from a central computer instead of having workers swap out paper labels by hand.
Social media is filled with warnings that grocers will use the technology to charge more for ice cream if it’s hot outside, hike the price of umbrellas if it’s raining or to gather information about customers.
Lawmakers have introduced bills to limit the use of digital labels. In Arizona, Democratic state Rep. Cesar Aguilar recently introduced a bill that would ban them altogether. Aguilar said he’s determined to start a conversation about digital labels and how stores could abuse them.
Researchers say those fears are misplaced. A study published in late May found “virtually no surge pricing” before or after electronic shelf labels were adopted. The study also determined that discounts were slightly more common after digital labels were introduced.
Economists have long wondered why grocery prices don’t change more often. Here’s one reason: Shoppers watch grocery prices closely, and stores don’t want to risk angering them.
Companies say electronic price labels have tremendous advantages. Walmart says it used to take employees two days to change paper price labels on the 120,000 items it has in a typical store. With digital tags, it takes a few minutes. The labels can also be useful. Some have codes that shoppers can scan to see recipes or nutrition information.
Aguilar, the Arizona lawmaker, said he also opposes the transition to digital labels because he thinks they will cost jobs.
But Relex Solutions’ Amanda Oren said she doesn’t think cutting labor costs is the main reason stores deploy digital price tags. “It’s about working smarter, not harder, and being able to use that labor in better ways across the store rather than these very mundane, repetitive tasks,” she said.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- A study says there is “virtually no surge pricing” with digital labels, but some people still worry about it. Do you think people’s fears about digital price labels are truly misplaced? Why or why not? Do you trust that stores will use new pricing technologies fairly? Why do you think so? Discuss.
- Economists say that stores don’t want to anger shoppers, so they are careful about changing prices too often. How much power do you think ordinary shoppers have to influence store policies and prices? Have you ever stopped shopping at a store because you were unhappy with their prices or policies? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Digital labels can also show things like recipes or nutrition information by scanning a code. Would you be more likely to buy from a store that offered these extra digital features? Why or why not? What are some other technologies you’ve seen in stores recently that have changed your shopping experience? Discuss.
- Amanda Oren of Relex Solutions said digital price tags are more about using labor efficiently than cutting costs. What do you think are some benefits of having technology handle mundane tasks? If technology can take over the boring or repetitive parts of many jobs, what kind of tasks do you think human workers will focus on more in the future (ex. creative tasks, leadership tasks)? Discuss.
