The most likely reason that the Lego's were not $60 at Walmart is due to the fact that they probably anticipated the tariffs and pre-order extra large supplies. Something a smaller store can't do. Now they are gradually raising the prices to create less consumer shock. However, if the tariffs hold then the next order Walmart makes to Lego will reflect the full tariff and the price for Americans will go up to $60.
Remember too that the price Americans will pay will be higher than what consumers in other countries pay. Many US companies are setting up bases in other countries. That allows them to ship from the manufacturing country, say China, to a middle country, say Taiwan, and then avoid tariffs when selling to non-US markets. So a US company will be selling their product at a lower cost in Japan or Europe than they will in the US.
It's all really and truly just a huge sales tax on American citizens.
I have stocked up on everything possible — from coffee to clothing. (I’ve had to replace pretty much 100 percent of my wardrobe after weight loss. I normally buy very few pieces each year. This is an expense I did not budget for.) Stocking up only helps short-term. You will eventually run out and need to repurchase.
My husband is a buyer, often purchasing metal from all over the world, and thus deals directly with tariffs. It is nuts how much this is adding to the cost of goods, including goods made in American factories, because supply chains are complicated and lots of things are only available from other countries. I think the average person still doesn’t understand this.
I recently wrote about the fact that well-off folks are indeed driving most of the spending. Poor and lower-middle class families can’t. And while we’d all love to just earn more, that’s not exactly easy.
I think we are headed for a very difficult, even cataclysmic time. The new normal won’t be normal. THANK GOD we paid off our mortgage this week!!! We will at least have housing covered.
I was at a political luncheon last month and the speaker, a guy who's been a CFO at a couple of banks, was praising the Trump administration for implementing tariffs "instead of raising taxes." UM.... how does a banking CFO not see that is a tax that will disproportionately hurt working people? He also said something ridiculous like 40% of Americans make at least $80k/year, which is so far off base from reality it made me dismiss his economic portion of his comments completely.
Act like you have a mtg and squirrel the money away. I am firmly in the camp of it’s going to get worse. We know some of the obstacles that we are facing now, but there are other financial decisions and plans that involve foreign powers that will need to be faced in about five years that will seem to come from nowhere. Not a lot of press, in fact no press because it deals with an alternative to the US currency.
If you can buy Xmas gifts now, do so. You can also tell kids that Santa sent a note saying they have more kids so he has to scale back. Sometimes family will all chip in fora present to the family, chip in for the big meal, and remember quality verses quantity. If you can donate to food banks, second hand shops, help in anyway you can, then do so. The woman I am close to here in Texas, is of the same mindset, getting rid of old stock, backing up basic items, and don’t forget animals, and kids.
My hobby knitting is getting really expensive, as is quilting. If you have a hobby get extra so you can keep doing it. Make sure cars are running well, do upgrades, fixes NOW. Invest and visit the local library, women’s groups and local support groups to not only help but to know first hand the problems in your area.
We don’t have anything to squirrel away — the side gig that I used to have disappeared a month ago. Medium and Substack don’t pay off as they used to.
We don’t do Christmas presents anymore, other than one book and one toy each for my two grandchildren. Our cars are ancient and we might just sell the oldest one because you’re absolutely right — shit’s going down. If things aren’t less scary after midterms we are likely to move to Europe.
Ouch! I think wherever you are, it’s going to be a rough time. Europe is having lots of problems. IF you have a community or family someplace you can go to that would be great. I feel like it is scary everywhere, even in Texas.
We will be free in the Netherlands (where my husband is from) or Belgium. I’d flee Texas immediately. For now we are in Illinois and grateful to be in a blue state.
We ran here! We could not afford the state we lived in and it was blue. Two financial advisors advised it or we would fall into poverty. We would have to find subsidized housing. We were lower income, with degrees and everything!
I sew as a hobby and have mostly been kept up to date on tariffs from a Canadian fabric store I shop at. They have stopped shipping to the U.S. until they can sort out the most recent tariff changes so that customers are not hit with surprise fees on delivery. They are a small business and I hope they can make it through this. Just looked at the U.S. store I also buy from, hard to tell if prices are up there (there are so many fabrics and I don't buy so often that I know prices by heart), but fabric generally is not made here so eventually I expect the U.S. store prices to go up as they replenish their stock.
We have two local toy stores within driving distance, and one of them is closing due to the tariffs. We know the owners tangentially, and it really breaks my heart for them.
For what it’s worth, as a Cape Cod native who knows exactly the mall/toy store you’re referring to…they’re notoriously marked up, too! So the tariffs are but one piece of that puzzle, not that the clerk would share that :D hope you enjoyed your stay!
Your question asking if we have a max price for non-essentials is a tough one for me to answer, mostly as it puts a spotlight on what I might consider essential that someone else would not. We all have different priorities of course which determine our fixed costs on “essentials” and there’s a part of me that knows perfectly well that if I was forced to, some of my “essentials” could go or be replaced by more affordable alternatives. I’m mostly thinking of specific housewares and food and skincare products which I don’t have a set dollar limit for, partially because I’ve long folded them into my budget, and for the housewares because I’m buying things that will last a lifetime (though may cost a lot upfront because of quality).
I’m more likely to put my foot down on the cost of something that’s higher because of convenience, if I know it can be sourced for less, or that in time I can find an equivalent or superior substitute vintage or on sale.
For example, I garden and treasure vintage and hand thrown pots, which are clearly not essential, except to my joy. If a rare circa 1890 apple green French planter with fine lines crosses my path, and I can purchase it without going into debt, I’m going to have some wiggle in how much I’m willing to spend on it. But I’m not buying a $4.00 avocado at the bodega because I don’t want to walk farther or I haven’t kept an eye out for the sales. And I’m typing this on an IPhone 8, which I only upgraded to from my 6 because it was no longer supported. There’s no universe where I think it’s essential to have the latest technology, and I’d bet many would disagree and prioritize that as an essential.
Americans have access to so many products very very cheaply compared to the rest of the world. Americans have so much stuff and buy so much stuff. It is terrible for the environment and for ethical labor. I absolutely loathe the American president and every single one of his policies, including tariffs, but I will not die on a hill of plastic.
My favorite cleansing balm, Emma Hardie Moringa cleansing balm, has a big tub that lasts me 10-11 months. When I started buying it in 2014 (the best price/availability is on a UK site, Bath & Unwind), it was about $49. I decided to check the price earlier this week even though my tub is only half gone and it's NOW $90. I could stomach up to the $70 price because it lasts so long but $9 a month to wash my face is just toooo much.
I own a single stationery and gift boutique, my shop will be two in October. I’m 48 but this is a life long dream. And now the tariffs threaten everything. I can’t offer the breadth of amazing Japanese stationery that I want and it will be a big test to see if people still buy a pricey-to-begin-with Dutch line of sweet handmade (in China) toys that will have a price increase. I carry a lot of US made stationery and candles, but will people in my small heavily blue-collar city want to shop this holiday season? So far my FDT section is doing consistently well …
Love your shop! As a big stationery girl I’ve been seeing a lot of people talking about how to get around the tariffs, especially with the recent Hobonichi drop.
The most likely reason that the Lego's were not $60 at Walmart is due to the fact that they probably anticipated the tariffs and pre-order extra large supplies. Something a smaller store can't do. Now they are gradually raising the prices to create less consumer shock. However, if the tariffs hold then the next order Walmart makes to Lego will reflect the full tariff and the price for Americans will go up to $60.
Remember too that the price Americans will pay will be higher than what consumers in other countries pay. Many US companies are setting up bases in other countries. That allows them to ship from the manufacturing country, say China, to a middle country, say Taiwan, and then avoid tariffs when selling to non-US markets. So a US company will be selling their product at a lower cost in Japan or Europe than they will in the US.
It's all really and truly just a huge sales tax on American citizens.
Tariffs are terrifying.
I have stocked up on everything possible — from coffee to clothing. (I’ve had to replace pretty much 100 percent of my wardrobe after weight loss. I normally buy very few pieces each year. This is an expense I did not budget for.) Stocking up only helps short-term. You will eventually run out and need to repurchase.
My husband is a buyer, often purchasing metal from all over the world, and thus deals directly with tariffs. It is nuts how much this is adding to the cost of goods, including goods made in American factories, because supply chains are complicated and lots of things are only available from other countries. I think the average person still doesn’t understand this.
I recently wrote about the fact that well-off folks are indeed driving most of the spending. Poor and lower-middle class families can’t. And while we’d all love to just earn more, that’s not exactly easy.
I think we are headed for a very difficult, even cataclysmic time. The new normal won’t be normal. THANK GOD we paid off our mortgage this week!!! We will at least have housing covered.
Congrats on paying off your mortgage, Michelle!
Thanks! I bought my first house in 1990, and this is my fourth, so it’s been a long journey.
I was at a political luncheon last month and the speaker, a guy who's been a CFO at a couple of banks, was praising the Trump administration for implementing tariffs "instead of raising taxes." UM.... how does a banking CFO not see that is a tax that will disproportionately hurt working people? He also said something ridiculous like 40% of Americans make at least $80k/year, which is so far off base from reality it made me dismiss his economic portion of his comments completely.
Act like you have a mtg and squirrel the money away. I am firmly in the camp of it’s going to get worse. We know some of the obstacles that we are facing now, but there are other financial decisions and plans that involve foreign powers that will need to be faced in about five years that will seem to come from nowhere. Not a lot of press, in fact no press because it deals with an alternative to the US currency.
If you can buy Xmas gifts now, do so. You can also tell kids that Santa sent a note saying they have more kids so he has to scale back. Sometimes family will all chip in fora present to the family, chip in for the big meal, and remember quality verses quantity. If you can donate to food banks, second hand shops, help in anyway you can, then do so. The woman I am close to here in Texas, is of the same mindset, getting rid of old stock, backing up basic items, and don’t forget animals, and kids.
My hobby knitting is getting really expensive, as is quilting. If you have a hobby get extra so you can keep doing it. Make sure cars are running well, do upgrades, fixes NOW. Invest and visit the local library, women’s groups and local support groups to not only help but to know first hand the problems in your area.
We don’t have anything to squirrel away — the side gig that I used to have disappeared a month ago. Medium and Substack don’t pay off as they used to.
We don’t do Christmas presents anymore, other than one book and one toy each for my two grandchildren. Our cars are ancient and we might just sell the oldest one because you’re absolutely right — shit’s going down. If things aren’t less scary after midterms we are likely to move to Europe.
Ouch! I think wherever you are, it’s going to be a rough time. Europe is having lots of problems. IF you have a community or family someplace you can go to that would be great. I feel like it is scary everywhere, even in Texas.
We will be free in the Netherlands (where my husband is from) or Belgium. I’d flee Texas immediately. For now we are in Illinois and grateful to be in a blue state.
We ran here! We could not afford the state we lived in and it was blue. Two financial advisors advised it or we would fall into poverty. We would have to find subsidized housing. We were lower income, with degrees and everything!
It’s tough to make it now regardless of degree.
I sew as a hobby and have mostly been kept up to date on tariffs from a Canadian fabric store I shop at. They have stopped shipping to the U.S. until they can sort out the most recent tariff changes so that customers are not hit with surprise fees on delivery. They are a small business and I hope they can make it through this. Just looked at the U.S. store I also buy from, hard to tell if prices are up there (there are so many fabrics and I don't buy so often that I know prices by heart), but fabric generally is not made here so eventually I expect the U.S. store prices to go up as they replenish their stock.
Surprise delivery fees are already such a big problem. Interesting to hear the shop is stopping shipping to the US to avoid them!
We have two local toy stores within driving distance, and one of them is closing due to the tariffs. We know the owners tangentially, and it really breaks my heart for them.
We just need to le-go of any price expectations at this point.
For what it’s worth, as a Cape Cod native who knows exactly the mall/toy store you’re referring to…they’re notoriously marked up, too! So the tariffs are but one piece of that puzzle, not that the clerk would share that :D hope you enjoyed your stay!
Haha yes, I think that’s true.
Your question asking if we have a max price for non-essentials is a tough one for me to answer, mostly as it puts a spotlight on what I might consider essential that someone else would not. We all have different priorities of course which determine our fixed costs on “essentials” and there’s a part of me that knows perfectly well that if I was forced to, some of my “essentials” could go or be replaced by more affordable alternatives. I’m mostly thinking of specific housewares and food and skincare products which I don’t have a set dollar limit for, partially because I’ve long folded them into my budget, and for the housewares because I’m buying things that will last a lifetime (though may cost a lot upfront because of quality).
I’m more likely to put my foot down on the cost of something that’s higher because of convenience, if I know it can be sourced for less, or that in time I can find an equivalent or superior substitute vintage or on sale.
For example, I garden and treasure vintage and hand thrown pots, which are clearly not essential, except to my joy. If a rare circa 1890 apple green French planter with fine lines crosses my path, and I can purchase it without going into debt, I’m going to have some wiggle in how much I’m willing to spend on it. But I’m not buying a $4.00 avocado at the bodega because I don’t want to walk farther or I haven’t kept an eye out for the sales. And I’m typing this on an IPhone 8, which I only upgraded to from my 6 because it was no longer supported. There’s no universe where I think it’s essential to have the latest technology, and I’d bet many would disagree and prioritize that as an essential.
Americans have access to so many products very very cheaply compared to the rest of the world. Americans have so much stuff and buy so much stuff. It is terrible for the environment and for ethical labor. I absolutely loathe the American president and every single one of his policies, including tariffs, but I will not die on a hill of plastic.
My favorite cleansing balm, Emma Hardie Moringa cleansing balm, has a big tub that lasts me 10-11 months. When I started buying it in 2014 (the best price/availability is on a UK site, Bath & Unwind), it was about $49. I decided to check the price earlier this week even though my tub is only half gone and it's NOW $90. I could stomach up to the $70 price because it lasts so long but $9 a month to wash my face is just toooo much.
Oof, yeah! That’s a lot! But also I would totally support you in justifying that expense. 🙂
I might change my mind again when it runs out. And definitely will be keeping an eye on Black Friday sales.
I own a single stationery and gift boutique, my shop will be two in October. I’m 48 but this is a life long dream. And now the tariffs threaten everything. I can’t offer the breadth of amazing Japanese stationery that I want and it will be a big test to see if people still buy a pricey-to-begin-with Dutch line of sweet handmade (in China) toys that will have a price increase. I carry a lot of US made stationery and candles, but will people in my small heavily blue-collar city want to shop this holiday season? So far my FDT section is doing consistently well …
Love your shop! As a big stationery girl I’ve been seeing a lot of people talking about how to get around the tariffs, especially with the recent Hobonichi drop.
Do you have an online presence? You can feel free to share your store info here. 🙂
I do! 😃
Thank you so much
https://moodjanesville.com/
Oh this is so cute!!
I wish you the best of luck!
Thank you!