Amazon quietly raised prices on thousands of low-cost staples including food, pet supplies, and cosmetics, despite previously promising that it wouldn't raise prices over tariffs, according to a Wall Street Journal study that analyzed nearly 2,500 items. Some items, like Campbell’s New England Clam Chowder, saw increases as high as 30%, but across the board, prices jumped by an average of 5%.
Interestingly, many manufacturers say they haven’t increased their wholesale prices, yet their products still jumped in price significantly on Amazon. Even many U.S.-made products experienced price hikes, often shortly after key tariff policy announcements were made.
Amazon defended its pricing, saying that the tracked items were not indicative of overall store trends.
A spokesperson told WSJ:
“We have not seen the average prices of products offered in our store change up or down appreciably. Our commitment to offering low prices—not relative percentage changes—is what delivers the most value to our customers.”
That confusing statement practically amounts to nothing, so I'll rephase:
“We jacked the prices of our products up significantly because consumers have become numb to price gouging and we're committed to delivering the most value to our shareholders.”
Here's what's even more wild: The WSJ's analysis of prices found that while Amazon’s price rose on 1,200 of its cheapest household goods, Walmart lowered prices on the same items by nearly 2%!
Did you ever think you'd live long enough for Walmart to become the good guy?