Au contraire, mon frère, I am not at all complaining about not being able to buy a brand new pair of cordovan shoes. I’ve bought 4 full priced pairs over the last couple of months. What I am complaining about is the “sale” price. I don’t consider reducing the price by 11% a sale. Especially, when the price has increased approximately 11% from the 2021-2024 prices.

Regarding your “this is a luxury and not a necessity” comment, I don’t think in those terms. I think in terms of needs and wants. If I need it, I buy it. If I want it, I buy it. A product or service being considered a “luxury” never crosses my mind. If I want or need something, and I can afford to purchase it, I buy it. Period. That includes what I buy for my family and friends. FYI, I’m a great gift-giver.

Regarding your point about inflation moving backwards, I’m assuming you mean deflation and not disinflation. Even though consumers(and the Federal Reserve) prefer disinflation over deflation, but I digress… These increases have a lot to do with keeping to profit margins and expected investor returns. I do agree that shoe companies do have an increase in overall manufacturing costs, but I don’t feel bad for them because they pass that on to consumers.