Why are so few sellers unwilling to acknowledge the effect that the current "cost of living crisis" is having on sales, particularly on sales of non-essential items?

I'm sure these sellers are tightening their own belts, so why can't they see that others will be, too?

While promoting and advertising will obviously have a positive effect on sales volumes (as they should), I now see that "the algorithm" is now the catch-all excuse, trotted out by those unwilling to accept reality and adapt accordingly.

If the total amount being spent is reducing, as it seems to be, then individuals' share of that pot will also decrease, especially when selling non-essentials.

It's not rocket surgery!