Survey: Consumers already seeing prices rise; to cut back this summer
Summer may not have officially started yet, but consumers are already amending their spending plans for the season.
Nearly half (46%) of shoppers surveyed by AI-powered brand platform Trax say they have changed their shopping habits due to concerns about rising prices from the new tariffs. Of this group, 66% reported switching to cheaper brands or generic products, while 53% are shopping at discount stores more often and 48% are delaying major purchases.
Nearly six-in-10 (58%) Americans say they have already experienced inflation or price hikes in local stores since the tariffs were announced. When asked which categories of goods they are most concerned about being impacted by price hikes this summer, 84% said groceries and everyday essentials, 47% said personal care items, and 37% said clothing and accessories.
[READ MORE: Survey: Most U.S. consumers to curb summer spending — except this group]
Almost half (47%) of those surveyed report that rising food prices are affecting their ability to host barbecues, picnics or other typical summer gatherings, while 62% say they are purchasing fewer items for home improvement or gardening projects this season due to higher costs. Nearly half (49%) of Americans say they are trading down to inexpensive brands or secondhand options for seasonal goods like patio furniture or barbecue equipment.
When asked about plans to travel this summer, 30% of respondents said they are choosing a "staycation" (visiting somewhere nearby), while 27% are planning to travel to their destination. For those who reported their travel plans being impacted by tariffs, 38% said they’re opting for budget-friendly travel plans due to tariffs, while 27% are opting for a staycation to keep costs down. Discounts or loyalty programs are a key factor in deciding summer travel plans, as 46% rate them as important, and 42% as extremely important.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of Americans say they are planning to spend less on summer entertainment like concerts, festivals, or amusement parks given rising prices. Three-quarters (76%) of travelers are opting for free or low-cost activities like local parks and community events instead of paid experiences this summer.
“Summer travel and BBQ season is not only a highly-anticipated time of year, it’s also a peak time for consumer spending around travel and essential items for home projects,” said Brittany Billings, chief marketing officer at Trax. “This year, consumers are already feeling the pinch due to tariffs, and keeping their budgets tighter than before. Savvy brands will recognize that price wins over brand loyalty in this environment, so delivering quality, consistent products, incentivizing with bundles and discounts, and making sure you’re well-stocked in stores will be more important this summer than ever.”
Additional insights from the survey include:
- When asked about which factors negatively influence traveling decisions, 50% said that general inflation related to tariffs are a key factor. The cost of transportation (37%) and budgeting for accommodations (36%) came in second and third.
- 42% of consumers reported spending less on travel-related expenses (flights, hotels, rental cars) this year compared to previous summers.
- 33% of respondents said they’d purchase the next best available option if their preferred summer essential is not available, while 30% said they’d shop at another retailer for a preferred product.
Through Trax’s shopping rewards app Shopkick, more than 7,000 American consumers were surveyed between April 23 - May 3, 2025.
