I can understand the reasoning behind it that psychologically there's a cut-off point beyond which the consumer is unwilling (more likely UNABLE) to go beyond before simply crossing items off the shopping list.
The sensible alternative is GETTING LESS for the same price we're budgeted for...
No body said we have to like it... it's just the high cost of living.. waddiyagonnadu?
What burns my biscuits is them thinking we're idiots that don't notice what they're doing... as if they're getting over on us.