A major shift at the checkout is coming—will this new rule help you save more?
- Replies 0
In an age where nearly everything has gone digital, one major US city is turning the page back—literally—to make sure no one gets left behind at the grocery store.
San Diego has just passed the first law of its kind in the nation.
The move is a response to growing concerns that seniors and those without smartphones or internet access are being excluded…
The newly approved Grocery Pricing Transparency Ordinance requires stores to provide printed versions of any deals that are otherwise only accessible via mobile apps or digital platforms.
It’s a big win for customers who have found themselves at a disadvantage at the checkout line—watching others scan digital discounts while paying full price themselves.
"San Diegans are doing everything they can to stretch their dollars," said Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, a lead advocate for the law. “But corporate grocery chains are turning basic shopping into a rigged game.”
Councilmember Marni von Wilpert agreed, noting that many older residents on fixed incomes have felt the pinch of rising grocery costs—especially those who aren’t digitally connected.
Groups like AARP California have praised the ordinance as a “vital step” in protecting vulnerable communities from being priced out of essential goods.
The ordinance is a direct response to what many see as a widening digital divide—where those without access to technology are missing out on crucial savings.
By requiring physical versions of all digital deals, San Diego aims to restore fairness to the checkout process and ensure that savings aren’t a tech-exclusive perk.
But not everyone is applauding the effort.
The California Grocers Association has warned the ordinance could backfire, claiming it may force stores to reduce discounts altogether rather than print “thousands and thousands” of paper coupons.
"There are thousands and thousands of different types of coupons and discounts that people receive digitally, and we would physically not be able to go and prepare those all in store just for anybody to grab at any time," said the association’s Tim James.
Still, supporters argue that the benefits outweigh the concerns, and that the law brings much-needed relief to those struggling with food costs in an increasingly digital world.
With San Diego blazing the trail, all eyes are on whether other cities will consider similar legislation.
The ordinance highlights a growing tension between technological convenience and equitable access—especially in essential areas like food pricing.
For now, San Diego has made a clear statement: Saving money at the store shouldn’t depend on whether or not you own a smartphone.
What do you think about San Diego’s new ordinance? Have you ever missed out on savings because of digital-only coupons? Do you believe other cities should adopt this approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us explore how technology can serve everyone—equally.
Read next:
San Diego has just passed the first law of its kind in the nation.
The move is a response to growing concerns that seniors and those without smartphones or internet access are being excluded…
The newly approved Grocery Pricing Transparency Ordinance requires stores to provide printed versions of any deals that are otherwise only accessible via mobile apps or digital platforms.
It’s a big win for customers who have found themselves at a disadvantage at the checkout line—watching others scan digital discounts while paying full price themselves.
"San Diegans are doing everything they can to stretch their dollars," said Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, a lead advocate for the law. “But corporate grocery chains are turning basic shopping into a rigged game.”
Councilmember Marni von Wilpert agreed, noting that many older residents on fixed incomes have felt the pinch of rising grocery costs—especially those who aren’t digitally connected.
Groups like AARP California have praised the ordinance as a “vital step” in protecting vulnerable communities from being priced out of essential goods.
The ordinance is a direct response to what many see as a widening digital divide—where those without access to technology are missing out on crucial savings.
By requiring physical versions of all digital deals, San Diego aims to restore fairness to the checkout process and ensure that savings aren’t a tech-exclusive perk.
But not everyone is applauding the effort.
The California Grocers Association has warned the ordinance could backfire, claiming it may force stores to reduce discounts altogether rather than print “thousands and thousands” of paper coupons.
"There are thousands and thousands of different types of coupons and discounts that people receive digitally, and we would physically not be able to go and prepare those all in store just for anybody to grab at any time," said the association’s Tim James.
Still, supporters argue that the benefits outweigh the concerns, and that the law brings much-needed relief to those struggling with food costs in an increasingly digital world.
With San Diego blazing the trail, all eyes are on whether other cities will consider similar legislation.
The ordinance highlights a growing tension between technological convenience and equitable access—especially in essential areas like food pricing.
For now, San Diego has made a clear statement: Saving money at the store shouldn’t depend on whether or not you own a smartphone.
Read next:
