Inflation, tariffs weigh on consumers as holiday shopping season starts early

It’s barely the start of fall and yet, by some measures, the holiday season is in full swing.

Seasonal décor items — including pre-lit Christmas trees, wreaths, wrapping paper and a popular nativity set — are already on display at my local Costco

, near Princeton, N.J., with some items even starting to sell out, according to sales associates.

Consumers began shopping for the holiday season as early as July this year, hoping to make the most of sales events such as Amazon Prime Day, said Brian McCarthy, a principal at Deloitte Consulting.

Nervousness about higher prices was a motivating factor, he said.