More than 200 exhibitors showcased their businesses over three days at the Lane Events Center, and some business owners explained how tariffs have impacted their businesses this year.
EUGENE, Ore. – More than 200 exhibitors showcased their businesses over three days at 41st the Lane County Home Improvement Show, and some business owners explained how tariffs have impacted their businesses this year.
“You’re concerned when you hear about tariffs and price increases on importing things,” Karen Ramus, show manager of the Lane County Home Improvement Show, said. “What consumers need to remember is that’s a percent of the project. The labor was based here before, so that stays where it is.”
In April, president Trump signed executive order 14257 placing a 10% reciprocal tariff on countries the U.S. trades with. That order was amended in July, raising some tariff rates to as high as 41%.
Some local businesses said they’ve already had to raise prices to keep up.
“We’re not facing any major crisis with the tariffs, but we are having price increases because of the tariffs,” Owner of Kaminski Construction Jason Kaminski said. “So just a natural state of having tariffs on products that cause us to of course have to follow the market and raise our prices on this.”
Others said the impact has been limited, and that some manufacturers have even lowered costs to compensate.
“So I don’t really see tariffs really taking effect,” Elizabeth Jankowski, of The Mattress Company, said. “We have had some manufacturers that have went up, but we’ve actually went down on pricing and a few other areas from a few other manufacturers to help.”
From appliances to woodworking, hundreds of businesses showcased their products at the 41st Lane County Home Improvement Show.
Business owners said consumer habits are shifting, with many people taking extra time to research prices and products before making big purchases.
“Well, people are tightening their belts for obvious reasons,” Angie Marzano, Lane County waste reduction program supervisor, said. “So looking at the products and finding solutions to fix them is a great way to save money.”
Ramus said the home improvement show is the perfect for consumers to ask questions about the tariffs.
“These exhibits will give you direction whether you need to save another 20,000 or maybe it’s only 5,000 to complete an outdoor living space,” Ramus said. “This is a place to get the answers to your questions, whether you speak to the experts in their exhibits.”
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