Sales at motor vehicle dealers saw a remarkable increase of 5.7%, with customers eager to buy vehicles before potential price hikes take effect. Meanwhile, food and drinking establishments also enjoyed a solid rise of 1.8%, supported by more favorable seasonal weather.

As economic uncertainty and looming tariffs influence purchasing decisions, shoppers are adapting by becoming more value-driven and tech-savvy. While department store sales dipped by 0.3% in March and have fallen 5.5% over the past year, discounters and general merchandise stores have reported notable increases as households seek out value.

Discount retailers like Dollar Tree and Dollar General are poised to benefit from this trend, as consumers increasingly gravitate towards budget-friendly options. The rise in sales at sporting goods and electronics stores indicates that shoppers are prioritizing durable goods, which may also be affected by the upcoming tariffs.

Innovative platforms like Whatnot, a live video auction app, are gaining popularity as consumers engage in community-driven commerce to find deals, even surpassing TikTok in app downloads. Similarly, discount site Slickdeals has attracted millions of shoppers, reflecting a growing demand for cost-effective shopping methods.

As tariffs loom, consumers are adapting their spending habits, searching for smarter ways to save in the face of inflation and rising prices. Retailers are responding by enhancing their focus on value-driven offerings and improving digital shopping experiences to meet the evolving needs of their customers.