Buy now, stock up or delay: Here’s what consumers are snapping up or putting off in face of tariffs

Buy Now, Stock Up or Delay: Here’s What Consumers Are Snapping Up or Putting Off in Face of Tariffs

As new tariffs ripple through the economy, American consumers are making fast, strategic decisions—either snapping up products before price hikes take effect or delaying big-ticket purchases in hopes of relief. With inflation still a hot-button issue and global supply chains far from stable, consumer behavior is shifting again, just as it began to stabilize post-pandemic.

Here’s what’s flying off the shelves—and what’s sitting untouched—as tariffs loom.

Buy Now: Electronics, Appliances, and Tools

Facing the threat of new import duties on Chinese goods, many consumers are rushing to secure electronics and household appliances. Retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot have reported upticks in demand for televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, and cordless power tools.

"Consumers remember what happened the last time tariffs hit," says Mark Leland, a retail analyst at Core Insight Group. "They’re stocking up now to avoid paying 10% to 25% more later."

Laptops, smartphones, and even kitchen gadgets like air fryers and espresso machines are also seeing early demand spikes. Buyers fear these goods—often imported or made with globally sourced components—will see immediate price increases once new trade policies kick in.

Stockpiling: Nonperishable Goods and Household Essentials

Tariff talk has sent bulk shoppers to warehouse clubs and online retailers to load up on paper products, canned goods, personal care items, and cleaning supplies. Even with relatively stable prices today, many fear ripple effects in the coming months.

“We saw this during the early days of COVID—now it’s tariffs,” says Julie Chan, a senior buyer for a national grocery chain. “Toilet paper, detergent, batteries, even razors—people are buying in bulk again.”

Retailers are responding with promotions and limit policies to prevent hoarding, though some shelves are already sparse in high-volume stores.

Delay: Cars, Furniture, and Home Renovations

On the flip side, some consumers are hitting the brakes on large purchases, especially where pricing volatility and financing costs intersect.

Car buyers in particular are holding out. With auto parts tariffs expected to raise sticker prices and ongoing supply chain issues slowing production, many are either sticking with their current vehicles or turning to the used market.

Similarly, big-ticket furniture items—most of which come with long delivery windows—are getting a pass for now. Tariff-related price increases coupled with elevated interest rates have cooled enthusiasm for home makeovers and renovations.

"I was going to remodel my kitchen this summer," says Madison Reyes, a homeowner in Phoenix. "But now I’m waiting. Cabinets and hardware are already more expensive, and the contractor warned me it could get worse."

Playing the Waiting Game: Luxury and Discretionary Spending

Some consumers are simply taking a wait-and-see approach, especially when it comes to luxury goods, vacations, and discretionary items.

With uncertainty around how tariffs will affect different sectors—and how long they’ll last—many are opting for financial caution. Travel agencies report a slight dip in international bookings, while high-end retailers are noticing slower foot traffic and fewer impulse purchases.

Retailers Shift Strategy as Consumer Habits Evolve

Retailers are adapting quickly, adjusting their inventory levels and sourcing strategies. Some are accelerating imports ahead of potential tariff deadlines. Others are working behind the scenes to find alternative suppliers or renegotiate pricing with manufacturers.

Meanwhile, savvy consumers are embracing deal-hunting, subscription services, and buy-now-pay-later programs to balance their short-term needs with long-term financial security.

“Consumers are tuned in and more responsive to global economics than ever before,” Leland notes. “They’re treating this like a chess match—thinking several moves ahead.”

Bottom Line

As tariffs threaten to reshape pricing across industries, consumers are responding in real time—buying now to save later, stocking up on essentials, and putting off non-urgent purchases.

Whether this is a temporary shift or a longer-term adjustment in consumer behavior remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: In today’s economy, every purchase is a calculation.