Inflation’s impact on Cincinnati favorites

UC/Enquirer Price Index reveals local inflation outpaces the national level

Does it feel like Skyline prices are sky-high? The latest data shows the cost of many Cincinnati favorites are on the rise.

Many of Cincinnati’s iconic brands have seen price hikes that outpace the national U.S. inflation rate, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Over two years ago, the Enquirer partnered with the University of Cincinnati to create the UC/Enquirer Price Index. The joint effort has tracked the cost of 30 local goods since the spring of 2023. Lindner College of Business marketing professor Rashmi Adaval sent out the latest quarterly update.

Professor of Marketing and James S. Womack/Gemini Chair of Signage and Visual Marketing Rashmi Adaval, PhD. Photo/provided.

“The overall trend is up for most items on the list,” Adaval wrote. “Prices are finally beginning to bite and show an overall increase.”

Adaval recently succeeded the retired James Kellaris as the Womack/Gemini Chair of Signage and Visual Marketing. Prior to his retirement, Kellaris helped launch the UC/Enquirer Price Index.

The latest data shows prices for certain items at Skyline, LaRosa’s and more are finally catching up to, and even outpacing, rising prices across the nation. The UC/Enquirer Price Index shows prices rising 9.9% since 2023, surpassing national inflation that has climbed 7.3% in the same period.

Adaval also noted in her update that only six out of 30 items have stayed at the same price in that time: Frank’s RedHot bottles, Klosterman Big White bread, original Tide Pods, Truth by Rhinegeist six-packs, 2% milk from UDF and a pint of Christian Moerlein’s Red ale.

Read the Cincinnati Enquirer story (subscription required).

Featured image at top of a view of the Cincinnati skyline. Photo/Elliot Kolbus

Inflation’s impact on Cincinnati favorites

UC/Enquirer Price Index reveals local inflation outpaces the national level

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