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GPT-5Nov 5, 2026openai/gpt-5-2025-08-07
Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?
Short answer: generally no.
As of the latest CPI report (September 2026, released October 14), overall consumer prices were about 3.7% higher than a year earlier, not lower.[1]
If you mean “store-shelf” goods rather than services:
•Core goods (commodities excluding food and energy) were up only about 0.7% year over year.[2]
•Groceries (food at home) were up 1.8% versus September 2025.[1]
Some categories you buy in stores are actually cheaper than a year ago:
•Furniture and bedding: −2.4% year over year.[2]
•Major appliances: −2.3% (appliances overall −1.0%).[2]
•Used cars and trucks: −1.5%.[2]
If you have a specific type of store or product in mind (e.g., groceries, electronics, home goods), tell me and I can pull the latest figures for that category.
Citations (2)
- Consumer Price Index News Release - 2026 M09 Results
Backs: “As of the latest CPI report (September 2026, released October 14), overall consumer prices were about 3.7% higher than a year earlier, not lower.”
- Table 7. Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U): U.S. city average, by expenditure category, 12-month analysis table - 2026 M09 Results
Backs: “Core goods (commodities excluding food and energy) were up only about 0.7% year over year.”