Early Start to Halloween Season

Retailers are starting Halloween season early, despite signs of financial stress among consumers. Demand for Halloween products is high, with retailers like Costco and Michaels reporting early success. Home improvement stores like Home Depot are also seeing increased demand for Halloween goods.

Rising Prices at McDonald's

The average cost of popular menu items at McDonald's has doubled in the last decade, far outpacing the rate of inflation. Some items now cost three times as much as they did in 2014, leading to concerns about affordability for consumers.

Consumer Pushback Against High Prices Affecting Inflation

Consumer pushback against high prices has led to changes in shopping habits, with more Americans opting for store-brand items and shopping at discount stores. This pushback has forced companies to slow down price increases, ultimately helping to cool overall inflation. President Biden has criticized corporations for price-gouging, particularly in the food and consumer goods sector.