Retailers to Slash Prices to Combat Inflation's Squeeze on Consumer Spending

Retailers have announced price cuts on thousands of products in recent weeks in an effort to entice consumers to spend more. Inflation has pushed prices 20-30% higher than a year ago while incomes have failed to keep up. Discretionary spending on non-essential items has slowed, so retailers are hoping price cuts will convince consumers to purchase more optional items. Overall retail sales in March rose only 0.7% month-over-month, a slower pace than in February. Consumer spending, which drives two-thirds of the US economy, has weakened as higher prices cut into household budgets.