The local stores are setting prices in comparison to other stores in the area. The online store is setting them versus other online retailers. If a competing s

The local stores are setting prices in comparison to other stores in the area. The online store is setting them versus other online retailers. If a competing store in the area has a sale on an item, target (for ex) will mark it down too. But that has nothing to do with the online website... the website doesn't care what the local price is.