Developed in partnership with the WSBA Antitrust, Consumer Protection, and Unfair Business Practices Section
Should a grocery store be able to charge you a different price than your neighbor based on your browsing history, location, or shopping data? Seattle has answered no. Seattle is the first...
Developed in partnership with the WSBA Antitrust, Consumer Protection, and Unfair Business Practices Section
Should a grocery store be able to charge you a different price than your neighbor based on your browsing history, location, or shopping data? Seattle has answered no. Seattle is the first U.S. city to ban algorithmic surveillance pricing in grocery stores citywide. The law applies to chains with 20 or more locations and takes effect in September 2027. It also covers large mixed-use grocers and delivery providers that handle qualifying Seattle grocery deliveries. Washington lawmakers considered similar statewide legislation in 2026, and the issue is expected to return to Olympia.
This panel brings together the main architect of the Seattle ordinance, a representative of the grocery industry, and a former federal enforcement perspective for a frank discussion of what the law requires, how it will be enforced, the legal challenges it may face, and whether a statewide or national framework will follow. Practitioners advising retailers, technology platforms, consumer groups, or public agencies will come away with a working understanding of this emerging area of consumer protection and competition.
FACULTY
Sarah Clark - Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Seattle, WA
Dustin Lambro - UFCW 3000, Seattle, WA
Danica Noble - Former FTC Deputy Director, Seattle WA
MODERATOR
Tiffany L. Lee - Bradley Bernstein Sands LLP, Seattle, WA
SCHEDULE
4:00 p.m. In-Person Registration Opens
4:30 p.m. Program Begins
5:30 p.m. Adjourn
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Post-Seminar Reception
For accessibility or accommodation requests, or other questions, please email
cle@wsba.org or call 206-443-9722 (toll free: 800-945-9722).
Seminar Registration Transfers, Refunds and Cancellations: In most circumstances, if you cannot attend the live event, we can
transfer your registration to the on-demand product, once available (8-10 weeks from the program delivery date). Generally, for
webcast/webinar registrations, tuition fees may be refunded, less $25 for processing, for written cancellations postmarked, emailed, or faxed up
to the start of the event. For in-person registrations, tuition fees may be refunded, less $25 for processing, for written cancellations
postmarked, emailed, or faxed by 5 p.m. up to three business days before the event. No refunds will be provided after the dates specified. You
may also send a substitute in lieu of canceling.
When applicable, specific exceptions to these policies will be noted on individual event
registration pages. Please email
cle@wsba.org with any requests or questions.