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Secondhand stores are poised to benefit if US tariffs drive up new clothing costs

Secondhand stores are poised to benefit if US tariffs drive up new clothing costs

By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Stores selling secondhand clothes, shoes and accessories are poised to benefit from President Donald Trump’strade war even as businesses the world over race to avert potential damage, according to industry experts.

American styles carry international influence, but nearly all of the clothing sold domestically is made elsewhere. The Yale University Budget Lab last week estimated short-term consumer price increases of 65% for clothes and 87% for leather goods, noting U.S. tariffs “disproportionately affect” those goods.

Bags of returned or overstocked clothing, shoes, boots, coats, packs and other items sit in a fulfillment warehouse
Bags of returned or overstocked clothing, shoes, boots, coats, packs and other items sit in a fulfillment warehouse after the goods were cleaned or repaired as they are marketed on resale platforms Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Such price hikes may drive cost-conscious shoppers to online resale sites, consignment boutiques and thrift stores in search of bargains or a way to turn their wardrobes into cash. Used items cost less than their new equivalents and only would be subject to tariffs if they come from outside the country.

“I think resale is going to grow in a market that is declining,” said Kristen Classi-Zummo, an apparel industry analyst at market research firm Circana. “What I think is going to continue to win in this chaotic environment are channels that bring value.” read more

Google faces off with US government in attempt to break up company in search monopoly case

Google faces off with US government in attempt to break up company in search monopoly case

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE and ALAN SUDERMAN, AP Technology Writers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Google is confronting an existential threat as the U.S. government tries to break up the company as punishment for turning its revolutionary search engine into an illegal monopoly.

The drama began to unfold Monday in a Washington courtroom as three weeks of hearings kicked off to determine how the company should be penalized for operating a monopoly in search. In its opening arguments, federal antitrust enforcers also urged the court to impose forward-looking remedies to prevent Google from using artificial intelligence to further its dominance.

“This is a moment in time, we’re at an inflection point, will we abandon the search market and surrender them to control of the monopolists or will we let competition prevail and give choice to future generations,” said Justice Department attorney David Dahlquist.

The proceedings, known in legal parlance as a “remedy hearing,” are set to feature a parade of witnesses that includes Google CEO Sundar Pichai. read more

Trump renews attack on Federal Reserve Chair Powell, Dow Jones tumbles 1,000 points

Trump renews attack on Federal Reserve Chair Powell, Dow Jones tumbles 1,000 points

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER, AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump repeated his attacks Monday against the chair of the Federal Reserve, demanding that the central bank lower its key interest rate to boost the economy.

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Trump called Powell “a major loser” and said that energy and grocery prices are “substantially lower” and “there is virtually No Inflation.” Yet Trump said the economy could slow without rate cuts.

Gas prices have fallen for the past two months, in part because oil costs have dropped on fears of slower growth, but food prices jumped in January and March and overall inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target. read more

China warns countries against making trade deals with the US unfavorable to Beijing

China warns countries against making trade deals with the US unfavorable to Beijing

BEIJING (AP) — China on Monday warned other countries against making trade deals with the United States to China’s detriment.

Governments including those of Taiwan, Japan and South Korea have begun negotiations with Washington after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs against almost all of America’s trading partners on April 2. The import taxes were quickly paused against most countries after markets panicked, but he increased his already steep tariffs against China.

“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement. “If this happens, China will never accept it and will resolutely take countermeasures in a reciprocal manner. China is determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and interests.”

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier this month the countries currently negotiating trade deals with the U.S. should “approach China as a group” together with Washington. read more

Disney: Hotel deal for 2026 includes free dining for kids

Disney: Hotel deal for 2026 includes free dining for kids

Walt Disney World is rolling out a hotel-kids dining plan offer for 2026, and reservations for next year can be made as of Tuesday, the resort has announced.

Visitors who stay at one of the more than 25 Disney hotels will get a free dining plan for the kids. As usual, Disney defines kids as ages 3-9. As always with the Disney Dining Plan, everyone in the party (age 10 and older) must participate in the program to get the kids dining plan. Pricing varies with dates and length of stay.

This plan may be used in conjunction with other offers that may appear for 2026, Disney says.

The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid program for on-property meals and snacks at select locations.

Disney World is currently offering a kids half-price ticket for theme park visits between May 27 and Sept. 20 with certain hotel stays.

This year, Disney is throwing in water park admission on check-in day for its hotel guests, which will likely be in place for summer 2026, too. Other continuing benefits for an on-property stay include early theme park entry, free parking, early access to dining and Lightning Lane reservations. read more