U.S. retail sales plunge along with temperatures in January after a bustling holiday season

High Inflation and slower retail sales were due to TOO MUCH CHEAP USD in circulation. Powell has to raise interest rates again

Going to get much worse now with the "toddler in chief" and his economic boosting tariffs.

What about eggflation?

Sales plunge? No surprise, on the whole planet there is not even one lady who would need and buy a XL striped lounge set. lol

Do American consumers understand that tariffs on imports are just a new, additional sales tax that they will be paying?

The extra cost will take time to feed through, as most vendors will have stock warehoused. The more JIT your supply chain, the sooner you will have to hike prices.

Companies that say they can absorb it are not doing themselves or their sector any favours. Just pass it on. If you don't need so much of your profits, pay your workers more.

Sales always drop off after the Christmas and New Year's holiday. That is actually normal.