Why holiday shopping in August could save you money later

With inflation and tariffs creating price uncertainty, a local expert says starting holiday shopping early — and taking advantage of Ohio’s tax-free week — could help consumers avoid higher prices later.

Thursday, August 7th 2025, 5:48 PM EDT

Updated:

Thursday, August 7th 2025, 5:54 PM EDT

It may still feel like summer, but a local economics expert says now might be the right time to start your holiday shopping.

John Rossi, director of the Sales Center at Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business, said that although it feels early, current economic conditions make now a smart time to begin planning.

“The earlier, the better,” Rossi said. “The tariffs are going to have an impact. Consumer behavior is going to have an impact. It's going to be a rather complex project to get your Christmas shopping done.”

Rossi said shoppers are still feeling the cumulative effects of inflation from recent years, which will likely continue into the 2024 holiday season.

“So when you add current inflation on top of years past inflation, it's going to have a significant impact — particularly on discretionary and essential items,” he said. “They won't see it right away. It'll typically be sticker shock when they get to the store, and that will surprise a lot of consumers, for sure.”

He said goods imported from China and other parts of Asia — including toys, electronics and apparel — are especially vulnerable to price hikes tied to tariffs and supply chain disruptions.

Ohio’s tax-free holiday, which runs through Wednesday, allows shoppers to save up to 7.5% on qualifying purchases under $500, including school supplies, clothing, electronics and even restaurant meals.

“If you were making a purchase beneath that threshold of $500, that could be somewhere about $38,” Rossi said. “That’s a significant savings. And when you add that together with other items, it adds up fast.”

As a parent, Rossi admitted that even he’s rethinking his usual habit of last-minute shopping.

“I always wait till the last minute to shop,” he said. “I’m even nervous about doing that this year — for fear that I might not get the items or merchandise that I’m looking for for gifting.”

Rossi advises shoppers to make a list, separate essentials from splurges, and take advantage of current deals before prices go up or inventory thins out.