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

By Steven Orlowski, CFP, CNPR

As trade tensions continue to simmer and new tariffs loom on the horizon, American consumers are feeling the pinch—and making strategic choices about when and what to buy. Whether it’s everyday essentials or big-ticket items, tariffs are shifting spending habits in ways that are both practical and revealing.

Here’s a closer look at what shoppers are snapping up now, what they’re stockpiling, and what they’re putting off.

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Buying Now: Beating the Price Hikes

Savvy consumers are racing to purchase certain goods before tariffs take full effect, particularly in categories that are likely to see sharp price increases.

Electronics and Appliances:
Smartphones, laptops, televisions, and other high-tech gadgets—many of which rely on Chinese components—are among the most sought-after items right now. Shoppers are also hurrying to buy washers, dryers, and refrigerators, anticipating rising costs later this year.

Automobiles:
With the auto industry facing increasing tariff pressure on parts and steel, some buyers are accelerating their plans to purchase new vehicles. Dealers are reporting a spike in showroom traffic from customers eager to lock in prices before potential increases.

Home Improvement Supplies:
Tariffs on lumber, steel, and aluminum have already impacted the cost of renovations. DIYers and contractors are buying materials ahead of schedule to avoid paying more down the line.

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Stocking Up: Everyday Essentials

For items that are non-perishable and likely to remain stable in demand, consumers are turning to bulk buying.

Paper Goods and Cleaning Supplies:
From toilet paper to laundry detergent, households are buying in larger quantities to avoid paying more later. These stockpiling behaviors echo pandemic-era patterns, though this time the motivation is economic rather than emergency-driven.

Canned and Packaged Foods:
Pantry staples like pasta, rice, beans, and canned vegetables are flying off the shelves in bulk. While not all of these are directly impacted by tariffs, the broader effect on supply chains has driven a cautious, preemptive buying mindset.

Pet Supplies:
Pet food and other essentials like litter and grooming items are seeing increased demand as well, especially those with imported ingredients or packaging.

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Delaying Purchases: Waiting Out the Uncertainty

While some items are being snapped up, others are being postponed indefinitely.

Furniture and Home Décor:
With many home furnishings imported or assembled overseas, consumers are holding off on redecorating. Sticker shock from tariff-driven price increases is prompting a wait-and-see approach.

Luxury Goods:
High-end fashion, watches, and accessories are experiencing a dip in consumer demand, as buyers prioritize necessity over indulgence. For many, uncertainty about the economy is causing a pullback on discretionary spending.

New Technology:
Despite the surge in current electronic purchases, some are delaying upgrades to avoid buying at the peak of a price wave. Shoppers are hoping that trade deals or policy reversals could ease prices down the road.

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Strategic Spending in a Shifting Economy

The tariff-driven shifts in consumer behavior reflect more than just cost-consciousness—they reveal a growing economic mindfulness among American shoppers. Retailers, too, are adapting, offering more promotions and emphasizing domestic products to retain customer loyalty.

As the global trade landscape continues to evolve, so will the ways consumers choose to spend, save, or wait. In the meantime, one thing is clear: tariff talk isn’t just for economists and policy wonks anymore. It’s hitting home—and cart—across the country.