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They sell flowers, but they watch prices. Florists who have worked near grocery stores for decades have had a front row seat to shifting costs and customer habits.
Many recall what food items used to cost when they opened their shops and how that has changed today. Their perspectives offer a unique window into how grocery spending has evolved since the 1980s.
Milk has Tripled in Price Since the 1980s
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Several longtime florists remember when a gallon of milk cost less than $1.50. Now it often runs over $4, even for standard brands. One florist in Oregon noted the shift started around the mid-2000s and never slowed down.
Eggs were Once the Cheapest Staple on the List
In the 1980s, a dozen eggs could be bought for under a dollar. Today, florists say even sale prices hover near $3 or more. Some recall regulars who used to pick up eggs, bread, and flowers all in one trip for under $5 total.
Fresh Produce Prices Now Change by the Week
Florists say they have watched neighbors walk out of grocery stores, surprised by the rising cost of apples, lettuce, and citrus. In the past, produce stayed fairly stable, but now even a single avocado can cost as much as a bouquet of stems.
Candy Bars have Shrunk while Prices Rose
Many florists who stock snacks or sell candy near checkout say they remember when bars were larger and cheaper. Today’s versions are smaller, but the price has more than doubled. This change stands out clearly to shopkeepers who track what kids buy.
Bread No Longer Feels Like a Cheap Essential
Florists located beside grocery stores often hear complaints about bread prices climbing. A loaf that once cost $0.99 now averages well over $3. Many note that even budget brands no longer feel like a low cost basic.
Soda Used to Be a Treat, Not a Luxury
Some florists remember when soda was an everyday purchase for working class shoppers. Now, they say many people treat it like a splurge item, especially when a 12 pack hits $9. It is one of the price shifts they have watched happen in real time.
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These florists are more than flower experts; they are observant members of their communities. Their memories reflect just how much the cost of daily groceries has grown. For many of them, the change is not just in the numbers; it is in the habits of the people around them.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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