Retailers face criticism for unjustified price hikes

Major retailers, including Walmart and Costco, are facing backlash from consumers over rising prices on various products. Many shoppers believe these price increases are unnecessary and not directly related to recent tariffs imposed by the government. A concerned shopper voiced their disappointment on social media, calling for an investigation into the price hikes. They argued that tariff impacts should not apply to every item and suggested that auditing these major retailers could lead to lower prices elsewhere. Economists indicate that tariffs could contribute to higher prices for American households, potentially costing between $1,600 to $2,000 more each year. However, many of the price changes may also be a result of inflation from the COVID-19 pandemic or preemptive actions by retailers. Inflation has been rising, with January seeing a 0.5% increase. Food and energy costs are particularly affected. An ongoing egg shortage due to bird flu is driving prices up, with some states reporting costs for a dozen eggs exceeding $10. Retailers are responding by limiting sales. Experts expect the egg shortage to continue, with a delay in restoring supply. The USDA projects egg prices to rise by about 41.4% in 2025. Despite these concerns, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reassured the public that the economy is stable, with inflation rates improving from previous highs. The government is also considering measures to reduce costs for consumers, focusing on areas affecting the working class. However, it remains uncertain which specific areas will be targeted.