Tariffs: What’s the Buzz in the Industry? 

Right now, we are holding our prices.  There haven’t been any price increases at Stew Leonard's due to tariffs. Many suppliers bought in extra product pre-tariff.  We’re hoping we can hold things off for a month or two. 

My daughter Chase created a singing plush toy inspired by a character called Rich Milk from the Farm Fresh 5 animatronic show. She just went to order it from a factory in China. Whoops! Now a 145% tariff. We are going to order them and we are hoping by the time they are to be shipped, things will be resolved with the tariffs. We’re rolling the dice. Get a sneak peek.  

There are some bright spots. Our two big items are imported salmon from Canada and avocados from Mexico. Both are “non-tariffed” due to our USMCA agreement. The cost of bananas and pineapples went up because of the tariffs, but we’re splitting the increases with our suppliers so that our shoppers aren’t feeling the pinch.  

You’ll see some great prices on lobsters this summer. Canada imposed tariffs on China in January this year. China exports roughly 80 million lbs. of lobster annually. This excess supply drives the prices down for us here in the US. Lobster season in Maine starts soon so get your lobster bibs ready. 

Wines and spirits from Europe are another story. Many of our importers bought extra shipments “pre-tariff” and we haven’t seen any tariff-imposed price increases…yet.  Some of our suppliers and distributors have said they’ll see some prices go up on a few brands in June, BUT they’ll roll the prices back again if there are any policy changes. 

What’s Hot for Mother’s Day  

Here’s what you’re buying for Mom this weekend! 

Mimosa & Rosé Cupcakes: These are baked fresh, and the frosting is whipped by hand.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Hand-dipped all weekend by our chefs. These are JUMBO long-stemmed strawberries, and they are juicy.   

Burgers: We have 8 different kinds of burgers made every day by our butchers. Mom will love the filet mignon burger. 

Naked Shrimp Platter: Our seafood Team Members select each shrimp to create these platters.  Fresh, delicious, and antibiotic free with no added hormones. 

Filet Mignon and Lobster Tails: We got a great deal on both.  Look for them in our meat and seafood departments. Our chefs will also be rockin’ this weekend – Surf & Turf is our number one catering item for Mother’s Day. (We also have a great app deal on NAKED salmon this week – that's what I’ll be putting on the grill for my wife, Kim!)

Garden Center: This will also be one of our busiest weekends.  It’s a great weekend for planting. Local hanging baskets, hydrangea, and perennials are the top-sellers. 

Local, local, local: Local produce is starting to hit the shelves, so keep an eye out for local asparagus and lettuce in time for Mother’s Day.  Local blueberries, cucumbers and zucchini will be here around Memorial Day.  

Dubai Chocolate Craze: In my 50 years of doing business, I’ve never seen a product take off like this.  We’ve sold almost 40,000 bars in 6 weeks. We’re even doing Dubai Strawberry Cups this weekend for Mother’s Day, which will be fresh strawberries layered with pistachio filling and milk chocolate topped with crunchy Kataifi and crushed pistachios.   

Plus...starting next week, there will be 8 golden tickets in our Stew’s Dubai Chocolate Bars.  If you find one, bring it to customer service and you’ll get a 2.87 pound JUMBO Dubai chocolate bar made by Norwalk-based chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt (he’s been named one of Oprah’s “favorites” and even beat Bobby Flay in a “Throwdown!).  We’re going Willy Wonka with Dubai Chocolate! 

Dulce de Leche Milk: It was one of the first flavored milks we sold here at Stew’s.  Over the years, we have changed dairies and bottlers and it’s been off our shelves for a while.  It’s made with a combination of Dutch chocolate and caramel, and it’s delicious. We’re selling it in a collectible glass quart bottle for $4.99. 

Eavesdropping 

I was in Belgrade for a family wedding and overheard a family at the next table talking about Martha Stewart and how much they loved the Netflix documentary on her. I texted Martha to tell her. We’re getting together for a cup of coffee soon. 

Time to Get “Waterproofed”  

Our family’s Foundation just awarded 20 grants (totaling $175,000!) to learn to swim programs throughout NJ, NY, and CT. Right now, it is a perfect time to “waterproof” your kids and get them ready for the summer. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children four and under. Group lessons are $35 per class and for every lesson purchased, you provide a free lesson to a child in need. You can get kids “waterproofed” after 4-6 lessons. They have to learn to float on their backs. 

Things That Make Me Smile 

It’s the one-year anniversary of our Clifton store. It’s growing every week!  We love Clifton. Click here to see a list of special demos and events the store has planned to celebrate.

My daughter Chase just met Snoop Dogg in NYC when he was in town to promote his Gin & Juice cocktail. He said he’s a big fan of Stew's and loves the Avocado Girls animatronic show, which Chase wrote the song for! She couldn't believe it!

I’m Excited For... 

Fashion photographer Nigel Barker, who you probably remember as a judge on America’s Next Top Model, will be at my wine store in Farmingdale next weekend to sample his new Espresso Martini. Click here for info. He’ll be making other appearances at my family’s wine stores in Connecticut and NJ, too.