Century Foundation: Memorial staples up 13%

The Century Foundation said on Thursday that Memorial Day cookout staples cost 13% more on average than a year earlier, adding to higher travel costs at the start of the summer holiday weekend. The group said the increase was about four times overall inflation, with beef, brats and hot dogs among the biggest movers. ABC7 New York reported the same day that Stew Leonard’s was offering shoppers ways to trim barbecue bills. Retailers including Home Depot, Lowe’s and Amazon were also promoting Memorial Day discounts on grills, patio furniture and other outdoor goods. ### Which cookout items got more expensive this Memorial Day? The Century Foundation said Memorial Day barbecue staples were up 13% on average from a year earlier. In its Thursday commentary, the group said ground beef prices rose 20%, brats climbed 28% and hot dogs increased 12%. The report said families were seeing higher prices “every direction” they turned, from grocery aisles to gas pumps to online travel bookings. The Century Foundation framed the jump as outpacing broader inflation, citing government price data in its analysis. ### What are stores telling shoppers who still plan to host? ABC7 New York reported on May 21 that Stew Leonard’s in Yonkers was highlighting lower-cost substitutions and store-brand options for Memorial Day cookouts. The station said shoppers were looking for ways to keep backyard gatherings affordable as grocery prices rose. Yonkers-based Stew Leonard’s told ABC7 that choosing different cuts, comparing package sizes and leaning on promotions could help contain spending. (tcf.org) The segment focused on practical shopping changes rather than cutting the holiday meal altogether. ### How busy is the travel weekend expected to be? AAA said on May 11 that 45 million Americans were expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 21, and Monday, May 25. The auto club said that would top last year’s 44.8 million and set a Memorial Day weekend record. AAA said 39.1 million travelers were expected to drive and 3.66 million were expected to fly. The group said higher fuel prices were part of the backdrop for the holiday, even as Americans continued to make travel plans. (abc7ny.com) ### Are shoppers getting any break on grills and outdoor gear? Good Morning America reported on May 21 that major retailers including The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Amazon were running Memorial Day promotions on patio furniture, grills, fire pits and backyard entertainment items. The outlet said the discounts covered both gas and charcoal grills and broader outdoor setups. The shopping roundup included deals on brands such as Kenmore and Blackstone, alongside markdowns on patio and lawn items. (newsroom.aaa.com) A separate Good Morning America sales guide said Memorial Day promotions also extended across appliances, furniture and seasonal outdoor goods. ### Why are groceries and deals showing up in the same holiday story? May 21 brought both higher grocery-price coverage and heavier holiday-sale marketing as retailers moved into the Memorial Day weekend. ABC7’s local report centered on food inflation and ways to cut a cookout bill, while national shopping coverage emphasized discounts on the equipment around the cookout. The combination leaves shoppers balancing two different parts of the holiday budget: food that costs more and durable goods that may be marked down. (goodmorningamerica.com) NBC News said Memorial Day can be a reasonable time to buy grills, patio furniture and cooling appliances for people who already planned those purchases. Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day, and the holiday weekend promotions cited by ABC7 and Good Morning America were already live as of May 21. AAA’s forecast covers travel through May 25, while The Century Foundation’s price snapshot was published on Thursday as the weekend began. (tcf.org) (abc7ny.com)