Shoppers hunt for deals but inflation makes bargains elusive

NEW YORK — Consumers holding out for big deals — and some much-needed relief from soaring costs on just about everything — may be disappointed as they head into the busiest shopping season of the year. While retailers are advertising sales of 50%, 60% and 70% off everything from TVs to gadgets, many items will still cost more than they did, last year, because of inflation and finding a true bargain may prove to be a challenge. From September through October, shoppers paid roughly 18% more for electronics and appliances than they did, a year ago, according to analytics company DataWeave. For toys, they paid nearly 3% more.