From turkey to stuffing: What shoppers should expect of Thanksgiving prices

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As families across the area prepare for Thanksgiving, a Richmond-area economist says shoppers may want to pay closer attention to what’s on their plates -- and not just the turkey.

Stephen Day, director of VCU’s Center for Economic Education, said while inflation has pushed up the cost of most goods by about 3% this year, turkey prices have remained surprisingly steady.

"Retailers know people are paying attention to these prices," Day said. "So they keep the price of the turkey itself as low as they can."

Even with wholesale prices rising about 40% this year due to the avian flu, that increase hasn’t translated to higher prices on store shelves.

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"Retail prices you'll actually pay in the store are down a little bit for turkey," he said.

But Day warns there’s a catch.

"They get you in the door based on the turkey price," he said. "They’re counting on you buying sides. They want you to buy lots of sides."

According to Day, the extra costs this Thanksgiving will likely come from side dishes like mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, green beans and everyday items like milk.

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Shoppers hoping to stick to a budget might want to focus on the turkey itself, he said.