
If you’ve ever opened a store app and felt like the “deal” was designed a little too perfectly for you, you’re not imagining the personalization. Shopping data is incredibly valuable, and retailers use it to decide what to promote, when to promote it, and how to keep you coming back.
The real question is whether that personalization crosses the line into changing the prices you see based on your habits. The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, and knowing how it works can keep you from overpaying. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect your budget while still using loyalty apps.