It seems to me that most retailers are experiencing narrower margins and are making this up with more house brands, fewer human employees, fewer options. “Sales” often follow the Dell format: constant and with no real price reduction.
Chalk it up to higher utilities, higher taxes, mandated salaries and benefits, and increased transport costs.
Just observing my local Walmart:
fewer items from far fewer vendors
fewer employees
more self-checkouts
many products cheaper at Tractor Supply (local)or Home Depot/Menards (travel)
more choice at True Value
Many *lower prices* are a negligible few cents.
More than ever, I find I must comparison shop and designate some outlets better 1) overall, 2)for specific categories,
3)for cyclical sales.
My process now is to check online (Amazon or eBay and then Home Depot or Walmart (local store does not always stock what is available within the chain)for in-store pick-up
Check sales, including unadvertised specials/in-house price reductions.
Cheaper does not always mean *as good as*. Sometimes exceptional value is available at considerable savings, but not always.
Do my usual route, noting that often an item is in short supply or unavailable _everywhere_. If non-perishable, I order online. If perishable, either substitute or add to Be On The Lookout list
Adjust list for sales (usually depends on which day of the week I can shop).
Always include pantry storage items, especially staples on sale.
Try to anticipate needs without ending up with too much of something. (belts for various machinery/appliances and batteries, in my case)
It is well-known that many manufacturers make cheaper and shoddier versions of their products just for Walmart. The cloth is thinner, the stitching sloppier. You get what you pay for.
Businesses hope for at least a 17% earnings but most almost hover around 7-10%.