A market research company’s preliminary data shows that the cost of hosting a pool party this year, excluding food and beverages, will be lower than in previous years.
The hypothetical pool party shopping list includes 4 beach towels, 1 cooler box, 2 sets of adult swimwear, 1 set of toddler swimwear, a grill, 4 patio chairs, 4 cushions, a patio umbrella, and 4 outdoor pillows. Leisure items include a cornhole game set, 2 pairs of swimming goggles, a set of diving rings, 2 beach balls, and 2 flotation tubes or kickboards.
According to a report by consumer data provider Numerator, the average total cost of purchasing the above items in June was $858, the lowest level for that month since 2020. This represents an 8.4% decrease from June 2024 ($937) and an 11% decrease from June 2023 ($966).
This finding aligns with broader economic indicators, suggesting that American consumers have not yet felt the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on foreign goods.
Numerator’s analysis did not include food prices, but the cost of providing food and beverages for pool party guests may increase. According to Wells Fargo’s Agriculture Food Research Institute, preparing food and beverages for a 10-person outdoor barbecue party on July 4th will cost $130, a 2.2% increase from last year.
Numerator analyzed sales receipts from 200,000 shoppers, online account activities, and other information, as well as the average purchase prices of 16 seasonal items typically produced in China.
Numerator’s chief economist, Leo Feler, analyzed the phenomenon of decreasing prices for non-food and beverage items.
He explained that wholesalers and retailers ordering from Chinese manufacturers may have imported excess inventory while trying to cope with high tariffs. As consumer confidence wanes and sales soften, these businesses may opt for early discounts rather than risking inventory backlog. He also suggested that due to the volatile trade stance of the Trump administration towards China, retailers may absorb initial tariff costs themselves rather than passing them on to business customers.
Tariffs on Chinese products had surged to 145% in April but dropped to 55% after last month’s agreement between the U.S. and China.
Suppliers typically sign six-month contracts, with renewals in June or July, suggesting that many outdoor furniture contracts were signed before the White House included metal furniture on the aluminum or steel product lists. These products would have faced a 25% tariff, which increased to 50% last month.
Feler also noted that consumers looking to purchase new beach towels or replace old cooler boxes may want to wait until August when end-of-summer prices are expected to drop. However, if tariff measures on imported products from China continue into next year, delaying purchases may become more costly.
While the current procurement of backyard pool party equipment may be relatively cheaper, many economists and retail industry analysts still expect consumers to feel the pressure of increased tariffs in the future.
(Reference: Associated Press)