Tariffs temper rising consumer confidence — Chain Store Age

Photo from Frank van Hulst on Unsplash

Higher-income households are showing renewed confidence in their financial outlook, with more planning to spend and save despite continued sensitivity to price hikes linked to tariffs. While optimism extends across income brackets, consumers remain cautious, making strategic brand and retailer tradeoffs to manage rising costs.

Key Takeaways

  • Confidence rebounds among affluent households: Spending optimism among those earning over $100,000 has risen sharply.

  • Tariff effects remain visible: Nearly all consumers are aware of tariffs, with most attributing noticeable increases in prices.

  • Strategic frugality replaces store switching: Consumers are opting for lower-priced brands at their favorite stores rather than switching retailers.