I despise movie theater popcorn. It is the bane of my existence. No, not because it is usually drenched in loads of greasy, melted butter, but because the markups can reach up to 1,275%, making a tub that costs less than 25 cents almost $6.

Overpriced products have reached an all-time extreme, with greeting cards, hotel minibars and bottled water towering above the mountain of convenient consumer goods.

Although these products are seemingly “convenient,” they comes with a price – a very high, very inflated price that makes no fiscal sense. These products cost almost nothing to make compared to what they are charging for them.

And it doesn’t stop with the product itself – shipping for products is also beginning to rise, and in some occasions, exceed the price for the product itself.

Teens also face an excessive emphasis on designer products. These brands only perpetuate the materialistic, consumer-based society that we live in. All teens face the pressure to conform and have the coolest clothes.

“Growing up for me was different,” biology teacher Craig Everhart said. “We were happy with whatever we had, or what our parents were able to provide for us, but now it’s different. Now, I know parents feel the pressure to provide the more expensive, ‘cooler’ things for their kids, because they know their kids will face the pressure at school from other kids.”

Even I understand this pressure to buy brand name clothes, but sometimes it’s not the pressure to fit in that drives me to buy products. Often I just think the product is cute and am willing to overpay for it.

A common sight at Robinson that exemplifies the stereotypical “preppy girl” are the Tory Burch Miller sandals. These sandals are the epitome of conformity, but don’t think I’m being hypocritical. I own multiple pairs, despite the fact that these sandals display the South Tampa stereotype. Many students would argue that expressing themselves through their style is worth the cost because it boosts their self-confidence.

However, some teens acquire a more independent style, breaking the chain of conformity. Many teens feel a sense of independence and liberation by shopping at thrift stores and finding unique pieces.

“Mia and I call [our sense of style] ‘garbage chic’ because we go thrift shopping a lot. You’re able to find really unique pieces, and get the same style as Urban Outfitters for a lot less,” Claire Casper (’17) said about the style her and her friend Mia McKell (’18).

Overall, shopping comes with a price, and although it might seem like a good idea at the moment, I believe that the inflated price should only be paid if you can personally justify it.