As Mother’s Day approaches, gifts for moms this year could cost more for consumers amid President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Julio Barocio and his wife Cinthya, the owner of Boyle Heights outlet stores, have been open for five years, and say the prices for certain items already reflect some of the tariffs.
“If we’re paying a higher price, we have to raise that price too,” Balosio said.
Barocio’s Store purchases products from out-of-season, cancelled or returned chains such as Target and Walmart. As a result, it’s much cheaper and discounted.
However, discounts are made so far only if the large chain is facing empty shelves or harsh tariffs from China.
“It’s all like a domino effect,” Sinsia said. “If they’ve seen $50 or $60 before, then you can see 70, 75, 80. You’ve seen it already.”
Another popular Mother’s Day gift, flower arrangements can also see prices rising due to materials from other parts of the world.
“It’s like a chain, right?” said Saurjimenez, a wholesaler at California Flower Mart downtown.
The Mother’s Day flowers of Zimenez come from severe tariff sources in Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico and other areas. However, he also purchases items from China, such as ribbons, cards, and even cellophane paper.
“Everything here is increasing by 10%, so that definitely affects the flow,” Jimenez said.
Like Barocio, Jimenez may also face soft sales this Mother’s Day.
Other small business owners, like David Rodriguez, have chosen to create tariff bills to avoid losing customers.
“We don’t raise prices. If we raise prices, people won’t buy them. If they don’t buy, I have a problem.
Rodriguez says the items he buys are 10% to 15% more expensive, including roses imported from Ecuador.
The flower shop owner added that he has struggled to buy stuffed animals as his usual vendors were so low that he was nervous about less shipments from overseas.
A Flower Mall customer told NBC4 they were not aware of a significant increase in purchases.
“I always come downtown to buy flowers, because what you buy is even more, and the outside is cheaper. “The price is roughly the same as last time.”
Flower vendors recommend that customers make purchases early, if possible, to help them save on possible price markup.
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