Croatian Man
Active Member
This new term has entered the mainstream of our world. Like it or Not, I see it as Real, widespread in everything. Even Biden has admitted to it talking about Snickers Candy Bars (as if that's all WE have to worry about). Due to the horrid wave of Inflation - the most in over 40 years ( I was there and remember that "disease" very well) - in order to deal with the Wave, most companies have "Shrunk" their product sizes to limit the impact of the rising Prices. I could cite many but I'll list a few: Cans of Tuna Fish, Beer [it's not 16 ounces anymore!], bags of Potato Chips, all Candy Bars like Snickers ( I don't eat them), Bacon, and on & on... each with less product in the bag / package with an increased price only controlled to lessen the blow by shrinking the product content. If you were truly match "apples to apples" of the product size before ShrinkFlation (circa 3.5 years ago) like a 6 pack of beer the increased price would be worse than the already increased price.
Additionally, other products of all kinds have "cheapened" to a great extent regardless of the Country where it is made - but China is the most obvious culprit. To cite one simple example which really "got to me" (at 72 I am supposed to be more Calm, but I'm not!) was the purchase of a new Scotts Lawn Spreader. I had to rub my eyes in astoundment shopping first, On Line at Home Depot, Walmarts, and Lowes....then going to Walmarts (who had the "Best" price of $47.97) to see it! I couldn't beleive what a piece of cheap crap it is. My older Craftsman after 25 years or so, failed whereby the closing lever would not hold the product in the Bowl. I had to get a new one. To the best of my recollection that Craftsman spreader cost about $19.99 at Sears, it was sturdier, much better made, and lasted for decades. I'm still fuming over this incredible cheap POS for $50!
Sorry for being a Grumpy Old Man. But being on a Fixed Income makes inflation a serious Disease - making us (the Wife and I in retirement) go backwards in a Hurry.
Additionally, other products of all kinds have "cheapened" to a great extent regardless of the Country where it is made - but China is the most obvious culprit. To cite one simple example which really "got to me" (at 72 I am supposed to be more Calm, but I'm not!) was the purchase of a new Scotts Lawn Spreader. I had to rub my eyes in astoundment shopping first, On Line at Home Depot, Walmarts, and Lowes....then going to Walmarts (who had the "Best" price of $47.97) to see it! I couldn't beleive what a piece of cheap crap it is. My older Craftsman after 25 years or so, failed whereby the closing lever would not hold the product in the Bowl. I had to get a new one. To the best of my recollection that Craftsman spreader cost about $19.99 at Sears, it was sturdier, much better made, and lasted for decades. I'm still fuming over this incredible cheap POS for $50!
Sorry for being a Grumpy Old Man. But being on a Fixed Income makes inflation a serious Disease - making us (the Wife and I in retirement) go backwards in a Hurry.