JANET SHAMLIAN: The big day isn't until September but after she heard tariffs were coming, she's anxious to say yes to the dress. More than 80% of dresses are made in China.
When you heard about tariffs coming, how did that impact your thoughts about buying a dress?
JESSICA STONE: I definitely wanted to make sure that I bought a dress immediately.
SHAMLIAN: Try to avoid the tariffs?
STONE: Yes.
SHAMLIAN: We met the 28-year-old as she was shopping with family and friends at Stephenson’s, a small Elkhart, Indiana specialty store doing big business in bridal.
What did you think when you heard the word “tariff" this time around?
DANNY REYNOLDS: Oh no, here we go again, I guess.
SHAMLIAN: Owner Danny Reynolds told us he had to raise prices in 2019 during the first Trump administration, when 25% tariffs were enacted on textiles and apparel.
REYNOLDS: I'm seeing more in the $1800…
SHAMLIAN: This time he doesn't know what will happen.
REYNOLDS: The difficult original decision is going to be in the hands of the manufacturer. They are going to have to decide how much price increase they can absorb and what they need to pass on to us, which ultimately would get passed on to the bride.