Answers

Prices - I'll check current inflation and retail data versus a year ago. No, on average prices in stores are not lower than a year ago - they are higher, although the rate of increase has slowed for groceries and some specific items are cheaper. Overall prices are higher year-over-year The US Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers rose 3.7% year-over-year in September 2026, up from 3.4%

Your question about store prices vs a year ago - I'll check the latest inflation and pricing data. No - in general prices in stores are still higher than a year ago, even though the rate of increase has slowed and some items are cheaper month-to-month. Overall US consumer prices: In the 12 months through September, the CPI advanced 3.7% after rising 3.4% in August. The September increase was 0