Responses

[[1]](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/charts/cpi-cpirc1cpibycat.stm)No, prices in stores are generally not lower compared to a year ago (as of the latest available data around September–November 2026), though the picture is mixed by category, with overall inflation still positive but much cooler than the post-pandemic peaks, and some specific items or retailer promotions showing declines.[[1]](ht

No, prices in stores are generally not lower than a year ago—they are modestly higher on average—though the picture is mixed by category, item, and retailer, with significant cooling in inflation and outright declines for many specific products.[[1]](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/charts/cpi-cpirc1cpibycat.stm) Overall Trends (Primarily U.S. Data) - Headline Consumer Price Index (CPI): Prices

[[1]](https://www.bls.gov/cpi/)[[2]](https://www.grocerytradenews.com/us-grocery-inflation-september-2026/)No, overall prices in stores are not lower compared to a year ago (as of the latest data from September 2026). The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all items rose 3.7% year-over-year.[[1]](https://www.bls.gov/cpi/) Key Details from BLS CPI Data (September 2026) - Overall CPI: +3.7% YoY (