A small box of Kleenex now has 60 tissues; a few months ago, it had 65. Here's why.
While shrinkflation isn't new, the practice has taken off worldwide. In the U.S., a small box of Kleenex now has 60 tissues; a few months ago, it had 65. And In the U.K., Nestle slimmed down coffee tins from 100 grams to 90 grams.
While those tips may help consumers save extra dollars, economists warn inflation may continue to rise in the coming months and further exacerbate prices. Dworsky said shrinkflation appeals to manufacturers because they know customers will notice price increases but won't keep track of net weights or small details, like the number of sheets on a roll of toilet paper. Companies can also employ tricks to draw attention away from downsizing, like marking smaller packages with bright new labels that draw shoppers' eyes.
Aspacher said he knew prices would rise when he started reading about higher wages for grocery workers. But the speed of the change — and the shrinking packages — have surprised him.