Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?
Short answer: generally no. As of the latest CPI report for August 2026 (released September 11, 2026), overall consumer prices were 3.4% higher than a year earlier, not lower. Grocery-store prices (“food at home”) were 2.2% higher year over year, though a few categories did decline (for example, dairy was down 0.3%). If by “stores” you meant nonfood retail goods, prices for goods excluding food and energy were up 0.7% year over year.[1]
If you had a specific type of store or category in mind (e.g., groceries vs. clothing/electronics), tell me and I can zero in on that.
Citations (1)
- Consumer Price Index News Release - 2026 M08 Results
Backs: “If by “stores” you meant nonfood retail goods, prices for goods excluding food and energy were up 0.7% year over year.”
statistic, official document, points to no. Claim: August 2026 CPI: overall prices up 3.4% year over year, food at home up 2.2%, dairy down 0.3%, core goods up 0.7%.