About one in every three businesses sampled at the Pittsburgh International Airport AIRMALL charges a higher price on at least one sampled item that is identical or “substantially similar” at a non-airport location. That's according to the Allegheny County Controllers Office’s annual report of "street pricing” at the post-security shopping center, which includes restaurants, shops and convenience stores. “We have seen some examples each year.” said Controller Chelsa Wagner. “Each year that we do this audit we bring them to the attention of the management at the AIRMALL, talk about the items that are overpriced, and the stores where they are found.” The study found 8% of the 147 sampled items were overpriced. Wagner says items that are overpriced are common and are something a person might pick up to and from their flight. “This year’s audit we saw such things as peanuts, or a Red Bull drink, or a Pirates lanyard. Frequently we will see some sort of sports memorabilia or just those
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