Hernandez Calls for Investigation into Retailers' Alleged Price Hikes

State Representative Consuelo Hernandez (D-21) is calling for investigations into "big box" retail stores for allegedly raising prices unfairly.

According to AZ Capitol Times guest writer Misty Arthur, "even when stores appear to be lowering prices, there is a chance big box retailers are just playing pricing games." She cites an apparent NBC investigation into Walmart, Best Buy, and other "big box" retailers and tracked prices. Notably, the prices of over 100 items were raised and then "discounted" weeks later.

"That's not a deal. It's another trick," wrote Arthur.

However, while Arthur noted that the tariff policies of President Donald Trump have played a role in sparking economic uncertainty, leading to these price fluctuations, she seemed to assume ill intent on the part of retailers.

Nevertheless, State Rep. Hernandez said in an X post, "Big box retailers are making Arizona families choose between paying rent or buying groceries through deliberate price manipulation. It's time for our leaders to demand answers," tagging Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).

In June, Sen. Gallego wrote to Kroger CEO Ronald Sargent, demanding answers for repeated instances of stores allegedly offering fake discounts.

Multiple stores in 14 states supposedly charged customers full price for various items, including meat, vegetables, juice, rice, and alcohol, despite the products being advertised as on sale.

One-third of sales tags were kept on the products for ten days after discounts expired, while in five instances, products continued to be advertised as on sale 90 days after the original discount period ended.

On average, customers were paying $1.70, or 18% more, than the product's listed price.

"At a time when American families are facing high costs for essentials, unexpected food price increases can cause significant strain on family budgets," Sen. Gallego wrote in his letter, urging Sargent "to create a plan with union partners to prevent overcharging from occurring in the future, compensate consumers who have been overcharged, and ensure sufficient staffing at stores to prevent overcharging."