It used to be that $100 would go a long way in the American economy. Companies like Walmart and Target were able to cater purchases to those on a budget, but in the last few years, prices have gone up across the board in the United States, even in stores that are meant to offer lower prices and discounts.
The National Taxpayers Union released a study in August, 2025, which found that things like President Donald Trump’s tariffs have added a rate of nearly 50% on backpacks, 38% on sweatshirts and over 50% on water bottles since 2021, in many cases doubling or tripling the price of these goods. For retailers like Target and Walmart, this means passing on the cost of the tariffs to customers. In 2026, what does that mean for consumers looking to spend $100 at either Target or Walmart?
