Had a good conversation with the LHBS owner the other day, business is definitely slower but remains profitable. He says it goes in cycles, and now the cycle is that all the pandemic brewers are dropping out. Wine is slowing because the typical demographic - retirees or near - are aging out. Benefits of low carbohydrate consumption* are more recognized now, so the youth (yoots) are turning to mixed drinks, hard seltzers and...not beer. And even then, unlike even 5 years ago, one has a decent chance of finding a certain brew style that simply wasn't available at the time.
But, in our favor, beer in 6-packs has become more expensive. For the price of a typical case of beer I can brew 5 gallons, just over 2 cases. So the cheapskates (like me) brew on.
*Newer studies show that humans enjoy better health on low-carb diets. Increased carb availability and consumption is said to be behind the dramatic increase in obesity and diabetes seen over the last century or so. This directly contradicts the information from most health agencies and organizations, and so is labeled as Controversial. I'd say take it all with a grain of salt, but salt is bad for your blood pressure...
