Are prices lower in stores compared to a year ago?

Generally, no. Prices in stores are not lower compared to a year ago.

While the rate of inflation has slowed down from the peak spikes of recent years—a trend economists call disinflation—prices are still rising. Disinflation means prices are going up at a slower rate, not that they are actually dropping (which would be deflation).

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) and industry forecasts outline the current retail and grocery landscape compared to last year:

1. Overall Retail and Consumer Goods

•Overall Inflation: The U.S. annual inflation rate sits at 3.4% year-over-year.

•Apparel (Clothing): Clothing prices are 3.6% higher than they were a year ago. This is a notable increase from the end of 2025 when apparel inflation was nearly flat at 0.3%. Retailers have gradually passed on higher manufacturing, tariff, and shipping costs to consumers.

•Energy Costs: Energy has seen a massive surge, with gasoline prices up 27.4% year-over-year. Because energy powers the trucks that deliver goods to retail and grocery stores, these shipping costs continue to keep retail prices high.

2. Grocery Store Prices (Food-at-Home)

Supermarket prices have continued to creep upward, though at a milder pace than in previous years:

•Overall Groceries: Food-at-home (groceries purchased at supermarkets) is 2.2% more expensive than a year ago.

•What is more expensive:

•Beef and veal prices are projected to end the year 9.4% higher than last year due to lower domestic beef production.

•Fresh vegetables are forecast to rise 5.7%.

•Sugar and sweets are up 6.6%.

•Non-alcoholic beverages (such as carbonated drinks and coffee) are 4.2% higher.

3. What is actually cheaper?

There are a few notable exceptions where prices have dropped compared to last year:

•Eggs: Retail egg prices have fallen significantly, with a projected 29.4% decline compared to last year. This drop comes as the poultry industry continues to recover from avian flu disruptions that previously drove egg prices to historic highs.

•Used Cars: While not a typical "in-store" retail item, used-vehicle prices have dropped by about 6.1% compared to last year, providing some relief to car shoppers after years of volatile, elevated pricing.

•Fats and Oils: This category is also forecast to see mild declines overall compared to last year's averages.

Summary

If you are shopping in stores, your total receipt will likely be higher than it was at this time last year. Aside from a few specific commodities like eggs, most categories of food, clothing, and household goods continue to see steady price increases.

Citations (9)

1ncoa.orgNonprofits and think tanks
ncoa.org
Backs: “While the rate of inflation has slowed down from the peak spikes of recent years—a trend economists call disinflation—prices are still rising. Disinflation means prices are going up at a slower rate, not that they are actually dropping (which would be deflation).”
2tradingeconomics.comData and tools
tradingeconomics.com
Backs: “Overall Retail and Consumer Goods. Overall Inflation: The U.S. annual inflation rate sits at 3.4% year-over-year. Apparel (Clothing): Clothing prices are 3.6% higher than they were a year ago.”
3youtube.comSocial media and video
youtube.com
Backs: “Apparel (Clothing): Clothing prices are 3.6% higher than they were a year ago. This is a notable increase from the end of 2025 when apparel inflation was nearly flat at 0.3%.”
4fastcompany.comNews and mediaquality 0.80
fastcompany.com
Backs: “Because energy powers the trucks that deliver goods to retail and grocery stores, these shipping costs continue to keep retail prices high. 2.”
5usda.govGovernment
usda.gov
Backs: “Grocery Store Prices (Food-at-Home). Supermarket prices have continued to creep upward, though at a milder pace than in previous years: Overall Groceries: Food-at-home (groceries purchased at supermarkets) is 2.2% more expensive than a year ago. What is more expensive:”
6grocerytradenews.comNews and media
grocerytradenews.com
Backs: “What is more expensive: Beef and veal prices are projected to end the year 9.4% higher than last year due to lower domestic beef production. Fresh vegetables are forecast to rise 5.7%.”
7grocerytradenews.comNews and media
grocerytradenews.com
Backs: “This drop comes as the poultry industry continues to recover from avian flu disruptions that previously drove egg prices to historic highs. Used Cars: While not a typical "in-store" retail item, used-vehicle prices have dropped by about 6.1% compared to last year, providing some relief to car shoppers after years of…”
8facebook.comSocial media and video
facebook.com
Backs: “This drop comes as the poultry industry continues to recover from avian flu disruptions that previously drove egg prices to historic highs. Used Cars: While not a typical "in-store" retail item, used-vehicle prices have dropped by about 6.1% compared to last year, providing some relief to car shoppers after years of…”
9autofinder.comCommercial content
autofinder.com
Backs: “Used Cars: While not a typical "in-store" retail item, used-vehicle prices have dropped by about 6.1% compared to last year, providing some relief to car shoppers after years of volatile, elevated pricing. Fats and Oils: This category is also forecast to see mild declines overall compared to last year's averages.”