Summer sales events kick off as inflation squeezes U.S. consumers

ConsumerSummer sales events kick off as inflation squeezes U.S. consumersThis year, groceries and household goods join electronics in a discount push from major retailers.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Add NBC News to GoogleSummer sales: How to save on everything from tech to groceries02:42Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 22, 2026, 9:52 AM EDTBy Grace ThomasSummer’s biggest sales are starting, with major weeklong deals from retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart officially launching as early as Monday.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The wave of discounts comes at a time when inflation is at its highest point since early 2023, 4.2% year over year, and everyday costs continue to strain household budgets.“If you have the consumer really thinking about the elevated prices they might be paying, maybe at the pump or in various sectors of the economy, it becomes incredibly important for them to get the value on essential goods,” said Vivek Pandya, lead insights analyst and director at Adobe Digital Insights.Retailers are responding to that pressure through regular, big-ticket discounts on products like electronics, as well as everyday necessities. Amazon Prime is advertising savings on groceries, like $1 red cherries. Walmart shoppers can find up to 50% off home products, Target will have up to 45% of select kitchen items and floor cleaning, and Best Buy will have televisions as low as $59.99.While people stretch their budgets, U.S. consumer sentiment hit an all-time low in May. Still, spending remains resilient. “American consumers have weathered the gas price shock of 2026 remarkably well,” Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union said in a statement. The gas price highs related to the Iran war have dropped under $4 for the first time since March 30. “Spending has remained strong, even as real incomes have turned negative.” Retail a...