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Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Most Overpriced Grocery Store Chains In The US
The Economic Research Service (ERS) May 2025 forecast predicts that food prices will increase by 2.9% over the course of the year. This comes on the back of inflation and sky-high grocery bills we have been dealing with post-pandemic. In short, eating well certainly hasn't been getting any cheaper. In these uncertain times, it might be surprising to know that there are some grocery stores and supermarket chains that continue to thrive despite their higher prices. Yes, the fancy ones with mood lighting and $20 smoothies. But they've got several tricks up their sleeves. From loyal customers to pretty packaging, they coast on the belief that when you shop with them, you are getting better stuff than elsewhere. That said, if you're one of the many folks trying to make your paycheck stretch a little further, changing your shopping habits could make all the difference. According to U.S. government data, Americans spent 11.2% of their total income on groceries in 2023. That's a big chunk, and cutting back here and there can really add up. So, if you're looking to trim your food budget, here are some of the most overpriced grocery chains in the U.S. You might want to avoid them if you're not looking to blow your whole budget on artisanal cheese or fancy water. Read more: The Ultimate Ranking Of Grocery Store Rotisserie Chickens, According To Customers With humble beginnings in Boston circa 1966, today Erewhon has grown into an LA-based specialist market that is beloved by celebrities and influencers alike. From selling natural foods way before organic was cool, it has become what one YouTube video described as "part grocery store, part venture capital firm for wellness brands, and part social club for the wellness elite." With its fame spreading far and wide, it is no surprise that Erewhon is widely considered one of the most expensive grocery stores in the world. We are talking $19 for a single strawberry and $43 for a bottle of extra-virgin olive oil. Shopping for bits and bobs at Erewhon can easily cost more than a meal at a restaurant. Grab a bite from the hot bar or smoothie counter, and you might need a second job or at least a deep breath. Then again, maybe that's just the price of potentially spotting a Kardashian in the wild. One reason why Erewhon probably gets away with such high prices is the sheer range of products it has on offer that are not available elsewhere. That and the fact that "healthy," "clean," or "biohacked" labels have become a full-blown lifestyle flex. Have a $20 Hailey Bieber smoothie in your hand? It's basically the Chanel sunglasses of the grocery world: an easy entry ticket in the luxury wellness scene. While not a true grocery store chain, Eataly is more of an Italian gourmet market and restaurant chain that sells Italian foods. It was founded in 2007 by Oscar Farinetti, a proponent of the slow food movement. The first Eataly opened in Turin, Italy, and since then has gone global with numerous outlets in places as diverse as Japan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Korea. The first opening in the United States was in New York, and it has since grown to 10 stores in North America. A lot of the products are imported directly from Italy, while others like the fresh pasta are made in-house. Eataly specializes in Italian cuisine, so you won't find your usual grocery staples here. Most stores offer a range of fresh produce grown locally, and the meat and seafood counters look like they belong in a Michelin-starred kitchen. But fair warning: Those pretty displays come at a price. Case in point, Atlantic salmon is over $25 per pound. Of course, any place this expensive will have its detractors. One Redditor claimed that the pizza at Da Michele is better (which may or may not be true, but that's besides the point). The bottom line is that shopping at Eataly is pricey, and one shouldn't expect otherwise. Between the imported wines, artisanal cheeses, and inflation, it's best saved for special occasions or just wandering the aisles pretending you're in Milan or Rome. One of the largest grocery food chains in the country, Whole Foods has over 500 outlets in the United States and a presence in all but six states. Its focus is on selling organic and natural products, all of which must meet the brand's exacting quality standards. But these criteria come with a hefty price tag, which is why Whole Foods has a reputation for being one of the most expensive grocery stores in the country. There is no denying that the interior of Whole Foods is very appealing, with spacious and well-planned layouts that often feel more like a boutique market than your average supermarket. Ever since Amazon acquired it in 2017, the brand has been trying to rid itself of the "Whole Paycheck" moniker, but that will take some doing. Since then, the chain has set out to make organic groceries a lot more affordable and has expanded on its list of in-house label products. To be fair, prices have come down, but affordable is still relative. Organic products cost more by nature, and Whole Foods remains very much a premium brand. A 2023 study by the Philadelphia Inquirer found that Whole Foods was still one of the two most expensive grocery stores in the country based on the price of 18 basket items. So while Amazon's cost-cutting efforts have made a dent, they haven't exactly transformed Whole Foods into a bargain-aisle haven. Publix is an employee-owned grocery chain based in Florida and popular throughout the southeastern U.S. Its popularity seems a bit of a mystery since prices are noticeably higher as compared to other grocery chains such as Walmart or Lidl, yet customers keep coming back. Whether it's clever marketing or just customer loyalty, Publix seems to have cracked the marketing code. When you start comparing prices, though, the sticker shock is real. A Redditor pointed out that a box of family-size Cheez-It costs $4.98 at Walmart but a whopping $8 at Publix. That's a premium of 60%! Another shopper compared the prices of similar items at Publix and Lidl and found that he spent $40 less on groceries at Lidl compared to Publix. This difference in prices was almost across the board, including fresh herbs, vegetables, and meat. For example, even on sale, Publix's price for chicken thighs was higher than Lidl's by $1. Other Redditors talked about how poorly the company pays its employees, which paints the brand poorly, especially when you consider the higher margins. Publix, however, seems rather unfazed by all the criticisms and soldiers on, charging higher prices than its competitors, while its loyal fans keep filling their carts. The name Wegmans brings to mind a gourmet wonderland, with sprawling sections of ready-to-eat meals, a massive cheese shop, a sushi counter, and even in-store dining options. And all this with a variety of grocery aisles to shop from too. The vibe is unique and leans toward a European-style upscale shopping experience. For many, the sheer variety on display can be bewildering, especially if you are new to the store. So, is Wegmans actually expensive, or does it just feel that way? Turns out it's a little bit of both. The extensive range of products means that some items are at the higher end of the price spectrum compared to regular brands. And even though not everything on the shelves will drain your bank account, the products on display are attractive enough to tempt you into spending more than what you planned. Some customers say Wegmans is worth it for the quality and variety, but others remain unconvinced. On a recent Reddit thread, someone called out the hot food bar for charging $15.99 per pound. These inflated prices were also confirmed by a Consumers' Checkbook survey that found Wegmans' prices to be 18% higher than the all-store average. Sure, the quality might be top-tier, but for folks watching their grocery budget, that extra percentage can be hard to justify. A staple of the grocery industry in the Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania region for over 130 years, Acme Markets has been on the receiving end of a lot of negative press of late. If Reddit reviews are anything to go by, one would be hard pressed to find a single redeeming factor in favor of the chain. From crappy service to dirty shelves and high prices, Redditors seem to take delight in trashing it. One reviewer went so far as to accuse Philadelphians of Stockholm Syndrome because of their love for the grocery store chain. So what's the score with Acme, and are the prices actually higher than at other chains? A survey by Consumers' Checkbook of the different grocery chains in the Delaware Valley region found that Acme's overall prices were higher than the average by about 12%. Not only were the prices higher, but the quality was substantially lower than the average. That's a tough pill to swallow for anyone hoping to shop local and save a buck. With its recent acquisition by Kroger, the largest supermarket chain in the country, there are expectations that prices will come down, and shoppers are crossing their fingers for better prices and a more pleasant shopping experience. But for now, Acme struggles to keep its footing in the competitive grocery store chain industry. The Fresh Market, launched in 1982, was inspired by the open-air markets found in Europe. Its goal is to provide quality products to consumers, and on this front, it more than delivers. Its diverse range of items, such as fresh flowers, specialty cheeses, and other premium products, sets it apart from more conventional grocery chains. The stores are strategically located in more affluent neighborhoods, with noticeably bumped-up pricing. Voted by USA Today readers as one of the best grocery store chains in the country in 2024, it's also one of the more expensive ones. The management seems unconcerned about the "expensive" tag. "We aren't looking to be a natural grocery store, we are looking to be a specialty store", says their CEO, Larry Appel. The target consumer base seems to be high-income consumers in wealthy neighborhoods, and people who value premium products (i.e., the high-income shopper who doesn't blink at $20 cheese or a $50 roast). Translation? If you're on a budget, you're probably not the target audience. The Fresh Market caters to those who see grocery shopping as an experience and don't mind paying for the privilege. With over 250 stores across the southeastern United States, Harris Teeter is a popular grocery chain that promises top-notch products and services. The company prides itself on the quality of the meats and seafood it has on offer, as well as its deli, bakery, and wine sections. There is also a prepared foods section where you can get sushi, pizza, and salads if you're in the mood for a quick (and pricey) bite. Harris Teeter has long been associated in the same "expensive but nice" grocery chain category as Whole Foods and The Fresh Market. Since being bought by Kroger in 2014, some shoppers even insist that prices have slowly increased without the matching bump in quality, variety, or service. According to some reviewers, Harris Teeter is not worth the premium, mainly because of quality issues and lax services. Others argue it's still worth it for the convenience and selection, especially if you know how to work the system. There are deals to be had if you are willing to hunt for them. The weekly VIC (Very Important Customer) and eVIC specials can throw up a bargain, and many regulars take advantage of them. But if you're watching your budget like a hawk, it may not be your go-to spot for everyday groceries. Another very upscale grocery store in Southern California is Gelson's. It started in 1951 in Burbank and has since expanded into a chain of supermarkets that prides itself on its top-shelf produce, picture-perfect meat displays, and white-glove service. Naturally, all at premium prices. If you thought browsing at Whole Foods was an indulgent day out, Gelson's feels like a luxury private shopping experience. The chain openly claims to cater to the discerning customer, and everything about it, from the quality of service to the range of products, attests to this fact. The prices of the products act as a filter that helps keep them exclusive. Do not be surprised at eggs that cost $6.99 and more a dozen, or the same amount for a gallon of the least expensive milk. Prices at the prepared food section can run from $15 upward for a takeout meal. Sure, it's delicious and beautifully packaged, but when your grocery bill starts looking like your dinner-for-two tab, it stings. While it may not be as dear or have the same social cache as Erewhon, Gelson's still brings serious luxury vibes, and for Californians trying to stay within a limited budget, it's probably best admired from afar (or reserved for very special treat-yourself days). Natural Grocers is a chain that is riding the current trend of clean eating. To be honest, it has been doing this since before the concept even became cool. Founded by Margaret and Philip Isely, who launched the business after a personal health scare, the goal was simple: help people eat better and feel good as a result. To this end, the chain claims to stock only 100% organic produce, 100% pasture-based dairy, 100% free-range eggs, and only conscientiously and humanely raised meats. As is stated proudly on the website, it sells only the best natural, organic, gluten-free, GMO-free, and vegan foods in every department of the stores. The household and body care products are termed as "ecologically thoughtful," and the chain even has in-house nutritionists or Nutritional Health Coaches to advise you on the healthiest ways to spend your money. In addition, it refuses to carry a list of ingredients because of how they are grown, produced, and processed. Of course, organic anything isn't cheap, and Natural Grocers is no exception. The brand, however, makes no apologies for its prices and, with its focus on service and product quality, has developed an ever-expanding and faithful customer base. If you are looking to cut costs and make ends meet, though, you might want to give it a miss. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Are egg prices falling in Texas? Here's how much a dozen costs in June 2025
Your wallet might get a little break at the grocery store. According to the average price of a dozen eggs is $4.26. The average has been the lowest it has been since its March peak of $6.23, according to a report published on June 3 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service. According to the USDA, retail prices tend to follow wholesale prices with a delay due to several factors. 'Retail egg prices are influenced by wholesale egg prices, but additional factors such as pricing strategies and contracts can mute the impact of short-term fluctuations,' the USDA report said. 'As a result, retail price movements tend to lag directional changes made by wholesale prices. When wholesale prices spike, retailers occasionally and temporarily have sold eggs at a loss. As wholesale prices retreat, retail prices are slower to decline and often remain elevated for a longer period." Here's what to know about egg prices in Texas. Last time we reported on egg prices in Texas, the average price for a dozen was $5.43. Today, those prices remain largely unchanged, according to the World Population Review. The decline in national egg prices comes as the USDA reported fewer cases of bird flu last month. Bird flu cases declined significantly to 2.1 million cases in March, according to the USDA, compared to 12.64 million in February and 23.19 million in January. Yes, bird flu is still spreading, particularly the H5N1 strain. While the risk to the general public remains low, experts emphasize the need for continued surveillance and precautions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 70 total national cases. However, in Texas, no reports have been made of poultry farms or other animals being affected. -USA Today Network reporter Betty Lin-Fisher contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Egg prices are down in the US. How much does a dozen cost in Texas?
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Letters: SNAP cuts are nothing to be proud of; Fair, transparent redistricting process needed
Recently, Congressman Glenn Thompson wrote the following about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): 'Revitalizing Rural America: This week, the House Agriculture Committee passed its portion of the House's reconciliation budget bill. It restores integrity to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides relief to farmers, and invests in the future of rural America. ... As Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I was proud to lead this legislation that strengthens the agricultural supply chain and puts rural America back at the center of our policy agenda ...' Let's set the record straight. This bill does not restore integrity of SNAP; it guts the program by cutting $300 billion in federal funding. This bill will hurt farmers and especially rural communities. SNAP recipients spend their benefits in local grocery stores, so SNAP dollars support jobs involved in producing, transporting, and marketing food. Food security means access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. Without food security, children are at greater risk of poor health and development (Economic Research Service, USDA, 2013). Along with cuts to Medicaid, the plight of low-income families will be worse, as families face both higher health care costs and less money for food. U.S. Department of Agriculture research shows that expanding SNAP benefits in times of recession reduces food insecurity. (Economic Research Service, USDA, 2011, 2013). Congressman Thompson: What is there to be 'proud about' in taking food from low-income children and families to lower taxes for the wealthy? Lucia Kaiser, State College As a member of Generation Z, I grew up in an era defined by extreme partisanship. Unwillingness to cooperate across political parties has eroded trust in democracy. Legislation in the Pennsylvania House and Senate State Government Committees offers hope for meaningful reform by reducing polarization and legislative gridlock through a fair and transparent redistricting process for future generations. House Bill 31 and Senate Bill 131 would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution by establishing an independent redistricting commission. The bills' numbering reminds us that districts will be redrawn in 2031. Currently, political parties control the redistricting process. Majority and minority leaders draw district lines not based on population but on what would be most likely to maintain their power. HB31 and SB131 reduce partisanship by establishing an independent commission of citizens, which will now include previously excluded independent voters. The current redistricting process also lacks rules regarding transparency. Committee chairs can hold hearings for congressional districts but are not required to do so. HB31 and SB131 mandate that all information be publicly shared and available for public comment. So far this year, the Pennsylvania General Assembly has enacted only two bills, but June is their most active month with at least 14 days in session. As chair of the State Government committee, Senator Cris Dush determines whether SB 131 will be put to a committee vote. To learn more about the bills, check out or stop by Fair Districts tables at Pride, Juneteenth, and/or Arts Fest. Noah Bradford Demo, State College It is ironic that draft dodger Trump, who has repeatedly defamed our country's military, is insisting on having a military parade that will undoubtedly bring more attention to his failures. Moreover, it is outrageous that millions of dollars will be spent on such an event, especially after the draft dodger withdrew funding for life-saving veteran health care services including mental health and addiction treatment, the Veterans Crisis hot line, and other services designed to help veterans who lost a limb while serving our country in harm's way. Even more alarming is the fact that the draft dodger and his sycophants are trashing the Constitution and the rule of law while Republican members of Congress sit idly by as they watch the dismantling of our governmental agencies. As indicated by retired Major General Paul Eaton, every patriotic American should be scared of the grave threat that the draft dodger poses to our democracy. Americans who cherish our democracy must stand up and join forces with those of us who will resist the draft dodger and his billionaire oligarchs. There are many ways to resist the draft dodger including speaking out to your state and congressional representatives, voting in primaries and elections for better representatives, and providing financial support to organizations that file federal lawsuits against the draft dodger. Kevin Alloway, Port Matilda
Business Insider
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
A Michelin-starred chef shares the menu-building strategies he uses to navigate rising food costs
Behind the plush seats and pastel-pink interior of Chicago's first Michelin-starred Indian restaurant — and one of the rare Indian fine-dining tasting menus in the US — was a risk. While restaurants continued to shutter or pivot in 2022 because of COVID-19, Indienne opened its doors. "That was, I think, the biggest risk I've taken," said Sujan Sarkar, Indienne's chef and co-owner, who has more than 22 years of experience opening and managing restaurants around the world. Sarkar told Business Insider that throughout the pandemic, the restaurant's vision — to spread a new Indian-food movement backed by high-end, flavorful dishes — stayed the same. "It can be profitable," he said. "We can build a successful business if we are consistent." But today's turbulent market, while different from the pandemic's, presents fresh challenges. The Economic Research Service's Food Price Outlook predicts that food costs will increase by 3.5% in 2025, and supply chains show no sign of easing up anytime soon. As inflation continues to grip the US and tariff negotiations remain in flux, causing companies to hike their prices, restaurant owners are preparing to face the brunt of the economic pressures. And while the industry has been battle-tested in the past, fine-dining leaders are perhaps at a crossroads: Shut down, pivot, or stay the course? For Sarkar, it's all about sticking to what's worked in the past. "We have to be sensible about everything, because the diners who are coming to dine in our restaurant are coming for something that we are known for," Sarkar said. "We are seeing that people are really appreciating what we do, and that's why the business is also sustainable, even though the cost is rising." BI spoke with Sarkar about his plans for navigating economic pressures and how fine dining could adapt to stay ahead. Sujan Sarkar: We run four different tasting menus. We have nonvegetatian, vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian. With the vegan menu, my cost is lower than the nonvegetarian menu because of no protein. Our vegetarian and vegan menus do not include caviar, scallops, or lamb. When diners choose these menus, the price is only a $10 or $15 difference from the nonvegetarian menu. But when they opt for this, my profitability goes up because the food costs are lower. We also always offer a supplement course that people can add to their tasting for $15 to $24 extra. I don't do last-minute makeshift dishes. So if you read a menu before you come, it's much easier for you and for me as a business. When we have the planning in place, we can control the cost. If my restaurant is full, I can manage because I know how much business we'll do, and my forecasting is much easier. I also have four other restaurants in the city. We share a lot of resources, and that also helps us cut costs. How does simplicity and seasonality play into how adaptable you've been as a restaurant? An example is how we work with farmers to get baby corn. I purchase a guaranteed minimum quantity of baby corn every week so I can get better pricing and farmers can have secure revenue. It's local and seasonal, which keeps my costs down and also gives the farmers business. We don't grow a lot of vegetables here in the winter, so I have to rely on people from California who can get them. But I can't only give them business in the winter — there isn't a written contract, but there's an understanding that I will give them yearlong business. So they are also doing things for us, like sourcing baby vegetables, micro herbs, and edible flowers. That way, the menu can be consistent, and we can set its cost. Restaurants are going from highly priced menus to something affordable. We did just the opposite. We used to do a tasting and an à la carte menu when we started, but now we are only a tasting restaurant. We are not creating a lower-priced menu to attract more diners. But almost a month ago, I opened a new restaurant called Nadu, where you can get food that is only à la carte. We just took a different route at Indienne, but the people going appreciate that more because they know exactly what they're coming and paying for. We're getting an overwhelming response. It's still Indian food, but a much simpler version. Still, everything is cooked in-house, everything is flavorful, but now it's as close to our traditional Indian dishes as possible. What advice would you give to emerging chefs or restaurateurs trying to build something ambitious in a time when margins may be tighter than ever? I've waited almost 21 years to open Indienne. I could have opened before — I opened restaurants in so many different countries and all over America — but you have to be sure about what you're doing. It's not only about you when you open a restaurant. There are a lot of people who are going to trust you. If you fail, they fail as well. You may be good at cooking, but that's only 30% of any restaurant. You have to learn so many other things. Your people-management skills, your accounting skills, your interpersonal skills, your PR — everything comes into play. The restaurant business is very volatile, and the profit margin is getting limited every day. It's not easy, but just wait for the right time and get the right people by your side: investors, teammates, your mentor — everyone.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
INTERACTIVE: Malaysians have highest grocery bill in South-East Asia
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are experiencing a heavy burden when it comes to rising food prices, with data showing that they spend more on groceries than any South-East Asian country. Data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service shows that Malaysia's consumer expenditure on food at home was highest in the region in 2023 at US$1,940 per person per year. The USDA figures are not adjusted for inflation or differences in living costs between countries. According to Bank Negara Malaysia's exchange rate in 2023, the US$1,940 figure for Malaysia is equivalent to RM8,848. However, at current exchange rates, it is equivalent to RM8,286. Singapore was second at US$1,831, followed by Thailand (US$1,108), Philippines (US$1,070) and Cambodia (US$898). Experts said several factors explain why Malaysians spend a relatively high amount on food at home compared to other countries in the region. They include a reliance on food imports, a weaker Ringgit and farm labour shortages. Other reasons include the rising cost of input in food production such as fertilise and animal feed, monopolies and oligopolies in food production, as well as low farm productivity. 'Malaysia's elevated food cost per person relative to its Asean counterparts points to the need for concerted efforts by the government and private sector to expand food production and raise farm productivity,' said Sunway University economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng. He said other complementary actions include dismantling monopolies and liberalising food markets, reducing transport and storage costs and improving supply chain efficiencies to bring down food prices. He said Malaysia's higher food expenditure per person at home compared to Asean countries with lower per capita income can also be explained by its higher income level. 'However, despite income per capita that is in multiples that of Malaysia, Singapore's food expenditure per capita is about the same as Malaysia's during the 2017 to 2023 period, with the 2023 figure dipping below Malaysia's in 2023,' he said. While the data specifically does not take inflation into account, Yeah noted that the food component in Malaysia's consumer price index (CPI) basket has been experiencing higher inflation averaging 3.1% annually between 2020 and 2024 compared to the overall CPI inflation of 1.8%. Khazanah Research Institute's research associate Dr Teoh Ai Ni said the total amount spent on food consumed at home would vary depending on how frequently individuals spend eating at home. She said Malaysians also spend a larger portion of their monthly spending for food on food at home compared to Singaporeans. 'Data from the Household Expenditure Survey 2022 shows that Malaysian households spent about 48% of their total monthly food expenditure on food away from home, with 52% spent on food at home. 'In comparison, Singaporean households spent 68% of their food expenditure on food away from home.' 'This is why the consumer expenditures spent on food at home for Singapore is lower than that of Malaysia, and it does not imply that food in Malaysia is more expensive,' she said. She noted that the use of US dollar in USDA's data as the unit for comparison does not take into account the variations in the current strength or cost of living, nor does it equal purchasing power. Fellow research associate at KRI, Nik Syafiah Anis said Malaysia is also one of the more food import-dependent nations in Asean, which means its food system is vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and external price shocks. She said other Asean countries such as Thailand and Vietnam have transitioned into major agricultural powerhouses, with Vietnam's food exports surging more than 15-fold between 1995 and 2018, driven by rice, seafood, and coffee. She in comparison, Malaysia's food import bill reached RM75.6 billion in 2022 and it remains a net importer of essential food items, particularly animal or vegetable fats and oils, cereals, and dairy products. 'One key dimension of this dependency is the country's reliance on imported animal feed - particularly corn and soymeal, which are key inputs in poultry, livestock, and aquaculture production. 'For example, Malaysia imports around 95% of its corn needs, largely from Argentina, Brazil, and India. This includes corn for feed and food, seed, and industrial (FSI) use,' she said. She said over-reliance on imported feed has a trickle-down effect on domestic food prices. She added that with global disruptions such as geopolitical tensions or poor harvest due to climate change, feed prices can spike, leading to higher prices for chicken, eggs, fish and meat at the consumer level. Meanwhile, Teoh said the share of income spent on food depends on wages and food expenditure. Malaysians' portion of food spending is comparatively lower than most other countries in the region. 'The differences are attributable to a combination of factors, including income level, food prices and food consumption patterns. She said that as income rises, the share spent on basic necessities like food would likely decrease while the share of spending on discretionary items like entertainment and recreation would likely to rise.
