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Inflation and falling consumer confidence threaten holiday shopping

The Christmas season is set to arrive with an increase in prices compared to last year. Despite data showing a decline in inflation, Americans expect the CPI to rise.

La inflación y la caída de la confianza del consumidor amenazan las compras navideñas

Compras navideñas (Pexels).

Published by
Verónica Silveri Pazos

Citizens expect inflation to rise again. Although data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has shown a significant drop in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), this does not seem to be reflected in Americans' pockets.

A survey conducted by the University of Michigan revealed that consumer confidence fell for the fourth consecutive month in November. Americans expect the CPI to rise to 4.5% next year (up from 4.2% in October and 3.2% in September).

The discouraging perception of consumers regarding the cost of living is confirmed when observing the prices of items and products of the Christmas season. For example, the price of Christmas trees has increased by 10% compared to 2022. According to the American and National Christmas Tree Association (ACTA), $80 to $100 is the average cost of a tree this year. However, the price of an artificial tree can reach up to $1,000.

Jami Warner, Executive Director of ACTA stated:

According to our 2023 survey, 52% of artificial Christmas tree owners purchased their tree for under $200, and 27% paid $200 to $400. For artificial Christmas trees, costs vary depending on the producer, retailer, size, shape and features such as pre-lit options ... This year, we’re seeing many consumers – especially those concerned about inflation – purchasing their décor well before the typical shopping seasons of November and December.

'Consumers appear worried'

When asked about the country's economic outlook in the next five years, respondents predict that inflation will average 3.2% (compared to the 3% figure reported in October and 2.8% in September).

This forecast data in the latest survey by the University of Michigan are the highest since 2011, which shows the Americans' lack of confidence in the country's economic situation. Joanne Hsu, director of the survey, stated:

These expectations have risen in spite of the fact that consumers have taken note of the continued slowdown in inflation. Consumers appear worried that the softening of inflation could reverse in the months and years ahead.

'Prices remain up a stunning 17.62%'

Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi offered an explanation for this phenomenon, which is that basic household costs remain higher than in previous years. Despite the CPI data that reflects a drop in prices, compared to 2022, they "remain up a stunning 17.62%":

While inflation has fallen from the highs of mid-2022, many families have yet to see material relief.

That is, households are spending more money to cover their basic needs. In October, average Americans had to pay $205 more than a year ago to buy the same goods and pay for the same services. However, this figure increases to $680 if the comparison is made with what a typical household spent two years ago (2021) to cover their daily expenses, according to Zandi.

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