With Obozocare the law of the land, people see the rising cost of coverage and deductibles, people shop for food and notice the downsizing of various products though the price doesn’t downsize alone with it, people see the rise in electric bills, people are seeing the rise in property taxes, so who in their right mind would not cut back on spending?
You make an interesting point on food packaging. Notice the new cereal boxes? They are a little taller and skinny. The proportions of lots of other goods has shrunk.
I am not sure if this is accounted for in the inflation estimates that are made by the government.