When asked about the root cause of product shortages they have personally experienced, a striking 73% of respondents in a new June 2026 survey pointed to tariffs. The same group of 1,000 U.S. adults, however, attributed only 22% of overall shortages to tariffs, citing manufacturing bottlenecks, retailer mismanagement, supply‑chain disruptions, and price gouging as larger factors.

Survey methodology and key findings

The survey, conducted by Toronto‑based inventory‑software firm inFlow Inventory and fielded by Audience Align, was balanced to match Census targets for age, gender, region, and income. All participants had encountered at least one stockout in the prior 60 days, ensuring the results reflect recent shopper experiences rather than the general population.

Key takeaways include:

• 73% blame tariffs for a shortage they personally faced; nearly one‑third rank tariffs as the single biggest cause.
• Only 22% see tariffs as the primary driver of shortages in general.
• 82% of shoppers eventually obtained the desired product, but more than three‑quarters said their trust in the retailer declined.
• Nearly 25% have permanently switched stores after a stockout, and 21% have stopped buying a brand altogether.
• 71% would pay for premium shipping to avoid waiting, while 73% already do so; 32% resent the extra cost.

Consumer preferences for stockout solutions

When asked what would most help during a stockout, shoppers expressed limited interest in typical retailer tools. Only 14% wanted an accurate restock date. Instead, a quarter preferred a recommended alternative product, and two‑in‑ten wanted reliable visibility into nearby inventory.

Timing also plays a role: over 60% discover a stockout only when placing an order, leaving little room for promises of next‑week delivery.

Implications for retailers

The data suggests retailers may need to rethink how they address inventory gaps. While many have invested in back‑in‑stock alerts and restock estimates, shoppers appear more interested in immediate alternatives and transparent local stock information.

For businesses, the findings highlight the importance of maintaining strong supply‑chain resilience and clear communication with customers, especially as tariff‑related concerns continue to shape consumer sentiment.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.