This paper compares nominal price rigidity in retail stores during two 28-month periods: 1889-1891 and 1997-1999. The 1889-1891 microdata price quotes show: 1. a lower frequency of price changes; 2. a smaller average magnitude of price changes; 3. fewer "small" price changes; and, 4. fewer...

This paper documents differences in the nominal rigidity of retail prices across two 28-month periods: 1889-91 and 1997-99. The most striking finding is that prices changed much less frequently in 1889-91. In the late-1800s when price changes did occur they were smaller on average and more...