Upcoming U.S. tariffs are set to increase the prices of electronics, including laptops and smartphones, by up to 11%, as analyzed by the Joint Economic Committee and highlighted in the latest Ecommerce Pulse Report by Salsify and the Digital Shelf Institute. This price hike is impacting consumer shopping habits significantly.
Shoppers are now more strategic with their purchases, often timing them around major sales events and thoroughly comparing prices across various retailers to counteract rising costs. The report indicates that 53% of consumers plan to buy electronics during major sales events like Amazon Prime Day, showing the critical role of promotional pricing. Additionally, 44% compare prices at a minimum of three retailers prior to purchasing, emphasizing the importance of being price competitive.
Changes in consumer behavior are evident as mobile shopping becomes more prevalent, with 59% of consumers using smartphones for shopping, necessitating user-friendly mobile interfaces. A significant 54% are broadening their shopping venues beyond Amazon, making it essential for brands to maintain a multi-marketplace presence. Price sensitivity now outweighs brand loyalty for many, with 70% of shoppers making unplanned purchases due to discounts. Customer reviews highly influence buying decisions for 25% of consumers, underscoring the need for high-quality content.
For brands to stay competitive, they must enhance their digital presence across major retailers, refine pricing strategies, and deliver compelling content. Flash sales significantly affect purchasing behaviors, with 62% of shoppers responding to such offers. Additionally, apart from price reductions, 48% of shoppers value free shipping and 41% prefer flexible payment options.
Mobile shoppers show a clear preference for marketplace and retailer apps, with 69% favoring marketplace apps like Amazon and eBay, and 45% using retailer apps such as Target and Best Buy. Adopting an app-first strategy is crucial for brand relevance. As prices for consumer goods continue to rise, evolving ecommerce strategies to meet changing consumer expectations will be key for brands to stay competitive.
