If you manage an online company store, you have likely noticed prices creeping upward, product availability shrinking, or longer wait times for branded merchandise. Much of this traces back to one factor: tariffs. While they are not new, tariffs have been rising across multiple product categories, leaving businesses scrambling to adapt.

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This blog breaks down what tariffs mean for your online company store, which products are most impacted, and how Flywheel Brands is helping clients navigate the shifting landscape.

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What Are Tariffs and Why Are They Rising?

Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods. Governments use them to protect domestic industries, influence trade negotiations, or generate revenue. In recent years, tariff increases have surged across categories tied to promotional products and branded merchandise.

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When you are planning corporate gifts, uniforms, or marketing swag, those tariffs directly influence product cost, delivery times, and availability. That is why understanding which products are exempt from tariffs, which ones carry heavy fees, and how trade relationships with other nations are evolving is critical for any company store program.

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Categories Impacting Custom Merchandise

Apparel

Branded apparel is one of the most common inclusions in online company stores. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most tariff-impacted. From polos to custom jackets, apparel sourced overseas is now often subject to higher duties, which drives up retail pricing.

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Headwear

Hats remain a top promotional product, but tariffs on imported headwear are particularly steep. Whether you are ordering embroidered caps or performance hats, expect them to fall under the list of products impacted by tariffs.

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How Tariffs Affect Your Branded Merchandise

Tariffs create ripple effects across every stage of your online company store, from vendor pricing to delivery windows.

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Price Rises

Tariffs drive costs up, and businesses are left deciding whether to absorb those losses or pass them on.

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Passing costs to consumers vs. absorbing losses

Many suppliers have no choice but to increase pricing to cover tariffs. Others try to absorb part of the cost, but this cuts into margins. For your online company store, this may mean adjusting budgets, rethinking product categories, or identifying products to buy now before tariffs increase further.

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Supply Chain Delays

Tariffs do not just raise prices. They also slow down supply chains. Customs holds, additional documentation, and rerouting production to avoid certain countries can all delay your merchandise.

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Countries hit the hardest and what that means for you

The countries with tariffs on American products and those targeted with U.S. tariffs have shifted multiple times. China remains one of the most impacted, but other regions have seen rising fees as well. This global tension means longer lead times and fluctuating availability for your company store.

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What Flywheel Is Doing to Help with the Tariff Effect

Flywheel Brands understands how disruptive tariffs can be for your branded merchandise strategy. That is why we are taking proactive steps to lessen the impact.

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Sourcing Locally

Whenever possible, we recommend products made in the USA. Not only does this reduce exposure to tariffs, but it also strengthens domestic industries. Interestingly, the question of how many businesses moved production to USA due to tariffs has gained attention as more companies rethink global sourcing.

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Identifying New Retailers with Lower Tariffs

Our team is constantly evaluating vendor partnerships. By identifying new retailers or production sources with lower tariff percentages, we are able to offer competitive pricing and reliable supply even when certain imports become less cost-effective.

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How You Can Future-Proof Your Online Store

Tariffs are not going away anytime soon. But with the right strategy, you can minimize their effect on your budget and your employees’ experience in the company store. Consider these steps:

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• Audit your current catalog and flag categories most vulnerable to tariff hikes.
• Lock in orders early for high-demand items that fall under products impacted by tariffs.
• Incorporate U.S.-sourced products to reduce exposure to international volatility.
• Partner with a supplier like Flywheel Brands that is monitoring changes and providing alternatives.

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At Flywheel Brands, we are committed to helping businesses navigate challenges like tariffs while still delivering high-quality branded merchandise. Whether you are concerned about rising apparel costs or delays in your custom headwear orders, we will help you adapt with confidence.