Navigating Through Tariffs In Preparation for Philly Summer Recreation
If you were like me growing up and had the opportunity to participate in one of the almost 15 theme camps and more than 100 summer camps around the greater Philadelphia region, it was probably an experience that you’ll never forget.
And during all the Arts & Crafts activities, baseball games, and basketball games, we never dreamed of having to navigate 46% tariffs on goods from Vietnam and 30% tariffs on goods from China.
PHOTO: Danny Greenberg/Unsplash
Like most Americans, I have filled my days with plans for many things. Navigating through the high price of tariffs was not among them. We’ve all been inundated over the past couple of months with the media warnings of the effects of tariffs on our lives. Some say buy now, in bulk, as much as possible. And now, the reports that ships are arriving at American ports with very little product are even more alarming for American families trying to plan for supplies for summer camps as well as fall sports.
While it remains to be seen what the effect on the American consumer will be, it’s estimated that running shoes could increase by some 20%, and certain types of apparel could rise by approximately 40%.
But we also have many parents among us. The estimated $4,000 per household that tariffs could increase for each household is most unwelcome when building a family budget. Even before the cost of back-to-school shopping hits American households, kids need supplies from summer camp to summer sports.
If you’re compiling a list of supplies, here are some ideas that may help.
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, Burlington, and Marshalls not only stock athletic apparel, from shirts to shorts to shoes, but also feature clearance sections for regular price drops and discounts. Several even allow you to shop online through the app and have items delivered to your house if you’d rather be outside in the spring sun.
Like much of America, when prices rise, many turn to the Thrift Shop (just ask Macklemore and Ryan Lewis).
Thrift shops often offer great, gently used sports gear and clothing at prices that reflect it; many even have store sections that include athletic gear.
Many Americans are now considering stocking up on not only summer sports gear but also on school supplies.
Some are even doing some early Christmas Shopping while China and the United States are in a 90-day negotiation window. Buying in bulk can bring down those individual high prices.
It’s not certain whether the tariffs will drive up prices or not.
However, it certainly pays to be cautious.
PHOTO: Danny Greenberg/Unsplash
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