Answers

No, overall prices in stores are generally not lower than a year ago; they are higher on average, though the increase has moderated for many goods (especially groceries), some individual items are cheaper or unchanged, and retailers have used discounts/promotions.[[1]](https://www.foodworldnews.com/articles/81703/20261021/grocery-inflation-slows-18-while-restaurant-prices-climb-35-what-gap-means-y

No, overall prices in stores are generally not lower compared to a year ago; they have continued to rise modestly on average, though the rate of increase has slowed significantly from the high inflation of 2021–2023, and some specific items or categories have seen declines or stability due to retailer discounts and promotions.[[1]](https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2025/consumer-price-index-2024-in-rev