An investigation into the relationship between CNPS-TV and Thick Pickins has raised concerns about whether localized severe weather forecasts are being used to drive consumer panic spending and justify so-called convenience surge pricing at local Thick Pickins stores.
The allegations, which have circulated among residents and business owners since the inception of the program, suggest that forecasts of severe storms, damaging winds, and other disruptive weather is being exaggerated or fabricated to encourage residents to stock up on supplies at Thick Pickins. Prices on selected convenience goods and services rise higher as the forecasts grow more alarming, prompting customers to question whether the two organizations are simply responding to the weather or helping create the conditions for a profitable shopping event.
Neither organization has publicly acknowledged any coordinated arrangement, and the Chorus has not independently verified the allegations. However, the timing and increase of several recent weather advisories bringing price increases has attracted the attention of residents who say the pattern deserves closer examination.
CNPS-TV, the premier weather coverage provider to households throughout Cinniapolis, has not explained why several recent forecasts appeared to coincide with increased demand and cost for batteries, bottled water, flashlights, portable power equipment, and other storm-related necessities and non-perishables. Thick Pickins, meanwhile, has continued to describe its surge pricing practices as a response to real-time market conditions and consumer safety, while also pricing out resellers looking to exploit severe weather into a quick pay day. This is all in addition to their stated primary goal of keeping consumers safe by raising prices so they’ll shop another time when the weather conditions are more mild and can travel safely to get the “Thick Pickins every day low price”.
Shaquille Aston, Thick Pickins General Manager, said the company systems adjust prices according to operational needs and prevailing real world circumstances. “CNPS-TV does not provide advance notice of severe weather forecasts and there is no commercial agreement between our organizations for such a service,” said Mr. Aston. A CNPS-TV spokesperson similarly declined to address questions about the timing of its forecasts, referring to its established weather-reporting procedures and meteorologists credentials.
The allegations have prompted residents to revisit the most recent occasion when forecasts warned of potentially dangerous weather, only for the dangerous conditions to never materialize. Last September, customers reported purchasing supplies in preparation for 2 separate storms that ultimately produced little more than ordinary rainfall and temporary inconveniences. Consumers allege these 2 storms were predicted during the last week of September, to drive demand to meet monthly sales targets. Thick Pickins denied this allegation and advised items can be returned for full-price, albeit with a catch.
“I bought enough batteries to operate a small hospital,” said one resident who requested that her name not be published. “The storm never arrived, but the batteries are still here. Thick Pickins says I can return them, although the return price is subject to current conditions and pricing. So the racket comes full circle, inflated prices during an emergency, deflated prices for returns.”
The potential arrangement, if substantiated, would present an unique problem for the city. Weather forecasting is intended to help residents prepare for dangerous conditions, while retail pricing is generally expected to reflect supply, demand, and operating costs. An agreement to manipulate the former for the benefit of the latter would blur the distinction between public information and commercial promotion. It could also leave residents uncertain about how to respond to future warnings. A severe weather advisory that once prompted households to secure outdoor furniture and check emergency supplies might instead lead some to consult competing forecasts, compare prices, or wait for confirmation before purchasing necessities, delaying and muddying the preparation time needed for active storm events.
City officials have not announced a formal investigation. Several members of the City Council have reportedly requested information concerning the relationship between local broadcasters and retailers, although no council committee has confirmed that it is examining the matter. The Mayor’s Office has not issued a statement.
CNPS-TV now faces questions about public confidence. Meteorologists routinely communicate uncertainty when predicting rapidly changing, severe conditions. The present allegations, however, assert the possibility that the forecasts themselves may have been influenced by commercial considerations. CNPS-TV Lead Meteorologist, Fran Dimple said, “Inaccurate predictions are part of the business. Severe weather changes direction, weakens unexpectedly, or fails to develop at all, sometimes. Weather is not perfect and neither are weather forecasts. They are designed to inform and allow each person to prepare for the forecasted weather in their own way.”
That distinction has not prevented residents from developing their own theories. Some have suggested that the alleged arrangement could be expanded to other seasonal events. Others have questioned whether Thick Pickins would be expected to lower its prices if CNPS-TV were to issue a forecast predicting exceptionally mild weather. The retailer did not comment on that possibility.
“When conditions are pristine, then the prices should drop, right? Newsflash, they won’t,” said a fired up Barry Linsington. “This is just the first test to see how far we will bend to accept these unfair practices. Surge pricing for the first frost, a full moon? Where does it end?,” said Mr. Linsington.
The Chorus will continue to examine the allegations as additional information becomes available.
