Survey: Consumers buying ahead, in-store to avoid tariff effects
New tariffs set to be implemented on Aug. 1 are looming – and consumers are taking action to avoid potential price hikes.
Two-thirds of Americans (66%) say they will make certain purchases sooner than planned this year, primarily driven by concern over price increases tied to tariffs (51%), according to a survey commissioned by tracking and logistics firm Position Imaging and conducted by The Harris Poll. More than a third (36%) will shop early due to concerns of products going out of stock.
Fear of supply chain disruptions related to tariffs is also having an impact on how consumers are shopping. Nearly seven-in-10 Americans (69%) surveyed said they are more likely to purchase oversized or big-ticket items, like TVs or exercise equipment, in-store rather than order them online for delivery. Among apartment and condo dwellers, this trend holds steady at 66%.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Americans said they would feel more confident making oversized items or big-ticket purchases online to be delivered if they had access to a secure package storage room. This number rises to 68% among apartment and condo residents.
[READ MORE: Survey: Majority of Americans think tariffs are hurting economy]
Younger Americans are significantly more likely to be making purchases sooner than planned this year, with 87% of those ages 18–34 and 83% of those ages 35–44 saying they have or will expedite purchases. This is compared to just 66% of those ages 45–54, 53% of those 55–64, and 38% of those 65+.
"It's clear that consumers are feeling vulnerable when it comes to how, and whether their purchases will arrive safely, particularly for more expensive or oversized items," said Ned Hill, founder and CEO of Position Imaging. "Our latest findings reaffirm that this concern is not just background noise, it's actively influencing shopping behavior. As online shopping accelerates, trust in secure, scalable, and future-proof delivery solutions is increasingly shaping where and how consumers choose to buy."
The Harris Poll conducted its online survey on behalf of Position Imaging from June 3-5, 2025 among 2,081 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.
