Jefferies published a report on April 28th indicating that inflation is having an impact on retail purchasing patterns.  The report is based on a survey of 3,500 consumers with 70 percent noting that they have switched to cheaper alternatives for food and household requirements.  Press reports suggest that brick-and-mortar stores, both free-standing and located in malls are experiencing an upsurge in patronage, especially when sales and promotions are offered. 

Consumers are becoming more selective in their purchases and are comparing products, evaluating both quality and price.  Consumers searching for value will most certainly find eggs attractive, even at current high prices attributed to flock depletion caused by HPAI.  As during the Great Recession of 2007, there will be a downward progression favoring selection of proteins extending downward in price from beef to pork, to chicken, to eggs in a search for value.