Mary Ellen Burris Columns

A Year Ago . . .

11/01/2009

The economy seems on a recovery path now, with consensus that things are improving (unless you’ve lost your job or your house). People have definitely changed their eating habits in the last year. There’s more cooking at home, (countless bags of flour and sugar, for instance, more canning and freezing supplies, etc,) more Wegmans brand products, and shifts to lower priced options.   A year ago we lowered hundreds of prices on frequently purchased products and we’ve cut additional prices as costs declined. We added $6 and $10 meals (entrée plus two sides that seniors say are a godsend) and $5 pasta bowls.  Also, we have implemented aggressive pricing on some prescriptions.   As we thought about the drop in prices, we decided to compare and share that information, so we could all feel good about it. Beef, pork, chicken, bread and dairy are down, as well as produce, due to drops in transportation costs.  Here are a few examples of average prices this week vs. a year ago.  Sirloin Steaks (Club Pack): last year, $3.89 lb, this year $3.49 (down 10%), matching club store prices as we do on Boneless Chicken Breasts (Club Pack): last year $2.69 lb., this year $1.97 (down 26%). Tomatoes on the vine: last year $2.49 lb., this year $1.99, (down 20%).  Sharp cheddar shredded cheese, Wegmans 8 oz.: last year $2.49, this year $1.99 (down 20%).   We thought you’d appreciate some good news. We remain committed to bringing lower food prices to our shoppers when costs drop.

link link link link