Why consumers are paying more for lower-quality goods

Power Players with Brian Sozzi · Dec 1, 2025 · 21m

The apparel retail industry has experienced its share of ups and downs this year. A focus by the Trump administration on tariffs has raised supply chain costs for most apparel manufacturers. In turn, those manufacturers have passed on price increases to shoppers. Consumers have responded by delaying purchases for deals or forgoing them altogether. The more positive end of the spectrum remains the high-end luxury space. The sector is selling higher-priced goods to consumers, allowing them to sit on another year of wealth gains through the stock market. Still, not everyone is winning. Yahoo…