Most stores do this. They raise their prices thinking you won't remember what they had been, then put out a sale with the lower price thinking you're getting a deal when you're not. My sister and I when we shop groceries compare prices and between us we can remember what we paid just the past month. Talk about Folger's Coffee in the tall container. We bought it at Sam's for $9.99 just a couple 2-3 years ago when it contained 53.5oz of coffee. Now they have the same size container but it only contains 43.5 oz of coffee and it's going for $13.99. What a crock. Other items are in the same size container but less inside. Check your recipes when they call for "oz" packages of something such as graham crackers and when you look at the present oz size, it's less but the box is still the same size. They think we don't notice but we do.
I remember when I first started making quilts and clothes, the prices for cotton at JoAnne's was around $2.99/yd, fat quarters were $.99 each. Now the price of fabric is so high and I can't say the quality is as good. Some have complained about how thin it seems to be now. I'm just so glad I have a stash of fabric that I won't need to buy in this lifetime. Same for clothing fabrics, I still have a large stash of it also. I have been buying draperies and drapery fabrics at the thrift shop to make clothes though when I find large enough pieces. A simple skirt doesn't take much or a smaller piece for a short jacket or vest. Even clothes are getting too pricey these days and I can't say they're made any better.
Anyway, folks think I'm nuts to buy in bulk when I do find a good deal such as paper products as I figure the prices will only go up.