Question map
The practice of reducing the size of a product while maintaining its sticker price is called :
Explanation
Shrinkflation is an economic phenomenon where companies reduce the size, weight, or quantity of a product while maintaining its original sticker price. This practice serves as a hidden form of inflation, as consumers effectively pay more per unit of measure (e.g., per gram or ounce) [2]. It is often employed by manufacturers to offset rising production costs, such as labor and raw materials, without losing consumer goodwill through visible price hikes. In contrast, reflation refers to policies aimed at increasing the money supply to stimulate the economy, disinflation is a slowdown in the rate of inflation, and deflation is a general decrease in price levels. Shrinkflation relies on the psychological tendency of consumers to notice price changes more readily than subtle reductions in packaging volume [2].
Sources
- [2] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 2: Money and Banking- Part I > There are mainly two causes of inflation: > p. 113
- [1] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/shrinkflation.asp