99.99 cents only

Ah, those rapscallions at the City of Commerce-based discount chain. For weeks company officials have strongly hinted that inflation pressures would force them to start pricing merchandise over the 99 cents mark (they’ve had to adjust the size or quantity of stuff like milk and eggs to keep up the gimmick). Well, today came word of a new policy: The top price is increasing to 99.99 cents, with the cost of all items going up by 0.99 cents. (Is there any such a thing as 1/100 of a penny in change?) Based on last year's sales, the chain would take in an extra $12 million. It lost $1.5 million for the most recent quarter. (LAT, LABJ)