AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 24: Floral Designer Chelsea Gardner, 32, organizes flowers while working at Ali Bleu Flowers on March 24, 2026 in Austin, Texas. "Tariffs have increased wholesale prices 10 to 25%, and that's not just on fresh flowers-it's on all of our supplies and gifts we have here in the store... We have to pass those fees onto the consumers and therefore the consumers are buying less... A lot of people are holding onto their money; they're scared to spend their money, so it's an everyday struggle that is very concerning-and not just to us business owners, but when we see our employees struggling; that hits home. When they're trying to put food on the table, or get gas to come to work... It's pretty scary right now," said owner Susie Hanks. Strong consumer spending, below average unemployment, and ongoing competition for workers across multiple industries are pushing service prices higher. These rising service costs are a key component of recent inflation, which remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)