That is part of it, no doubt, but also the economy is not doing well (in spite of what they tell you) and people are using less energy. Since the Middle East has been one long crisis for years, the market has already taken most of it into account. Right or wrong, people can’t maintain a “spooked” level indefinitely.
When I walk into family dollar, and discover that their prices are HIGHER than the dreaded Wallyworld, guess where I’m NOT going to shop?
I don’t care if their dishsoap is 2 cents higher, I won’t buy it.
And what do you do with clothing that won’t wash? Is it reasonable to purchase clothes to wear once and throw it away because the stains won’t wash out?
I can purchase a bag of potting soil at FD for $3.00, a little bag. Or I can go to wallyworld and purchase a $40 lb bag for $2.98
I don’t need to pay $5.00 for a potato peeler, only to have the thing come apart and injure my hand so that I have to get stitches...the first time I use it.
As long as retailers treat their customers like imbeciles, they should expect to see their businesses fail.