SCOTUS tariff decision may be too late for the holidays, says Bank of America's Lorraine Hutchinson

Core Insights - The upcoming holiday shopping season is expected to be significantly affected by tariffs, with a crucial decision from the Supreme Court impacting the retail sector [1][3] - Retailers have already received their holiday inventory, which has been subject to tariffs, leading to anticipated higher prices for apparel and footwear [2][3] - The potential for lower unit volumes is expected as consumers react to increased prices, raising questions about demand elasticity [3] Retail Pricing and Tariffs - Retailers are currently facing an incremental 20% tariff on holiday goods, with a possibility of a 15% tariff being enacted for up to 150 days if current tariffs are struck down [5][6] - If tariffs are upheld, no changes will be made to existing models, but if struck down, adjustments will be necessary based on new tariff scenarios [4][5] Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics - Consumers may be reluctant to absorb price increases, particularly for non-essential items, leading to potential discounting strategies to stimulate sales [7][8] - Products with strong brand recognition and innovation may maintain sales at higher prices, while undifferentiated products could face challenges as consumers prioritize essential spending [8][9] - The overall concern is that essential items will become more expensive, prompting consumers to limit spending on non-essential goods [9]