Retailers to face cost struggle if tariffs on China increase: Oppenheimer's Nagel

Core Viewpoint - The retail sector is facing significant challenges due to President Trump's tough stance on China tariffs, leading to a notable decline in the XRT ETF and affecting major retailers like Five Below, Estee Lauder, Best Buy, and Capri [1]. Retail Price Adjustments - An index tracking retail price adjustments indicates that tariff-driven price increases have stalled recently, which is a notable development [2][3]. - Retailers appear hesitant to raise prices despite the looming threat of new tariffs, which could complicate their ability to pass on costs to consumers [4]. Holiday Season Concerns - The upcoming holiday season is critical for retailers, as it typically accounts for a significant portion of their annual sales, raising risks associated with pricing strategies [5]. - There are currently no signs of excessive promotions, but the potential for retailers to raise prices could negatively impact consumer demand during this key selling period [6]. Consumer Spending Pressure - The discretionary spending environment is described as "okay, but not great," indicating underlying pressures on consumers that could be exacerbated by rising retail prices [6]. - If retailers are forced to increase prices, it may further strain discretionary spending, impacting overall sales performance [7].