If you notice, every restriction: lockdowns, business closings and masks all have the effect of dampening demand which in turn keeps prices down.
Not quite correct. I can add proper insight here as i manage Operations at a Regional level
What happens is big brands and retailers reduce the depth and frequency of being 'on sale'. We also virtually stop 'marketing spend'. For Ops costs we have reduced office costs because they are all shut, we are burning up your annual leave, we have reduced your salary by 20% and some we cut back to 2-3 days a week.
With reduced demand you switch to a profit grabbing model. The scary part is business will report pretty damn good earnings which isn't what you would think.
Your 20% reduction in pay becomes your normal salary (4 days a week). Part time 2 days a week becomes your norm job. You have no annual leave left. You will work 50%+ from home.
