Personal finances are top of mind for American shoppers in 2025, according to recent research conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of global fashion and lifestyle online retailer SHEIN. The new study, which surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older across all 50 states, found that inflation, tax increases, and tariffs are among the most pressing issues affecting consumers. In fact, two in three (67%) Americans worry about inflation, underscoring the financial worries shaping shopping behaviors this year.
As seen in its June 2024 survey, Americans continue to prioritize price and quality when choosing where to buy clothing. The study found that 8 in 10 (81%) Americans value product quality as the most important factor in selecting a retailer, while 80% give price as a key consideration. Variety also plays a strong role—56% of consumers prefer retailers that offer a wide range of styles and options, ensuring Americans look good, feel good, and spend less.
With economic concerns growing, consumers believe fashion should remain accessible. Americans (94%) agree that clothing doesn’t have to be expensive to offer long-lasting value, and (93%) say buying the clothing style they want makes them feel good. This sentiment is even stronger among SHEIN customers at 97%. Financial constraints remain a reality, as 72% of SHEIN customers (and 66% of all U.S. Adults) report having a tight clothing budget——demonstrating the importance of affordability in their shopping decisions.
“As a global, tech-enabled e-commerce platform, SHEIN is built on the principle of offering variety and value,” said George Chiao, president of SHEIN U.S. “We believe everyone should have the opportunity to look and feel their best without compromising quality.”
For more on the survey, view https://www.sheingroup.com/corporate-news/new-study-reveals-top-concerns-for-americans-in-2025/
Note: Two surveys were conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of SHEIN among U.S. adults aged 18 and older. The first survey was conducted from June 17-25, 2024, among 2,013 adults, and the second survey was conducted Jan. 28 – Feb. 4, 2025, among 2,000 adults. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For these studies, the sample data is accurate to within +/-2.9 percentage points respectively using a 95% confidence level.
For complete survey methodology, including weighting variable and subgroup sample sizes, please contact max.poteat@sheingroup.com.
