There are 2 issues I see anymore..

1. Everyone uses the bullshit "Amazon" price model. They make up inanely high and fake MSRP prices to then "discount it", but anyone with half a brain catches on (hopefully). Electronics especially, I noticed any other retailer could have a TV for $499 let's say, Amazon will list it for $1200 $489. And it's funny because anyone can price check it's bullshit, but apparently so many people rely on only Amazon that they get away with it. I've noticed Best Buy now does it, as do most other retailers.

2. Move to ___aaS model. People might've only gotten a wash or 2 a month before, but Jack up the normal price then discount through a subscription model to appear like a deal. $15 per normal wash, but monthly its "only $25"! They'll tell you wash it twice and it pays for itself, only, it used to be a $5 wash.. They'll tell you anything to make it fell like a good deal so people don't think about how cheap it used to be.

It's also a catch 22 IMO. Money is getting tight, so sales drop, so prices go up to make up for the loss of profits. The issue is prices have gone up and up and up. Those 2 points above are marketing scams to ease people back into spending more money again.