Why do prices always end in .99?

£2.99 for biscuits, £6.99 for moisturiser, £49.99 for a mixer. In shops, one small detail stands out: price tags overwhelmingly end in 99. It’s eye-catching, though not exactly convenient for anyone trying to track their spending. Is it really so common? Is that a recent invention? Is that why prices still end in 99? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠What does the popcorn index teach us about the economy?⁠ ⁠Why don't prices fall when inflation slows?⁠ ⁠What is the gig economy?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. First Broadcast: 25/2/2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices