I remember paying $8.00 (it was probably only $7.99) a yard for some fabric at a LQS about 20 years ago. It was something my Mom had wanted and I had driven all over the area looking for it. It was pink roses on green and red roses on black.
I also remember my Mom paying $10.00 for a metallic with birds on it. Also about 20 years ago.
And I remember paying $8.00 for a cat print from about that same era. I was into cat prints at the time.
I don't remember seeing any regularly priced fabric EVER in a LQS in the 20 years I've been shopping for "cottons for quilting" for less than $5.99/yard.
Some shops do have their sale/closeout sections where it is marked down.
So - - have the prices gone up? Yes, but not by nearly as much as postage and gasoline and medical care.