Cookie sales are taking a hit.
Economic uncertainty is affecting the sale of Girl Scout cookies in New York, leading to what appears to be the lowest sales season for local branches in over a decade.
This year, Scouts from five districts have managed to sell only 1.1 million boxes of cookies, including popular options like Thin Mints and Samoas, as well as the recently introduced S’mores. This decline is noticeable, particularly during the 2024-2025 season, where they faced stiff competition from financially cautious New Yorkers.
This marks the lowest sales total since the 2013-2014 season when the Greater New York Girl Scouts sold significantly more. Just to put it in perspective, it’s also half of the record-breaking 2.2 million boxes sold during the height of the pandemic in 2020-2021.
“They’re selling during a time of great economic uncertainty,” noted Sewin Chan, a consumer behavior expert from New York University.
“People aren’t sure about their financial futures with things like tariffs and the possibility of rising prices. Perhaps they’re prioritizing big purchases like cars or computers instead.”
Interest levels have shifted significantly since the pandemic, where many were laid off but found themselves spending less going out and more on charities like the Girl Scouts.
Now, though, New Yorkers are feeling the pinch more acutely. The cost of cookies adds to this dilemma. Currently, they’re priced at $7, whether it’s for a 15-count box of Tagalongs or a 32-count box of Thin Mints.
If the drop of 110,000 boxes from last year’s sales is any indication, it certainly adds pressure. Cookie sales account for about 75% of the revenue for Girl Scouts.
To give you an idea, prices increased from $5 last season, leading to a 17% decrease overall—equating to 250,000 fewer boxes sold. Back in 2014, they were only $4 in the Big Apple.
Chan expressed her surprise about the new prices.
“When people hear about financial turmoil, it really makes them question their spending,” she mentioned.
There’s a general apprehension about future pricing. Reports of tariffs making prices rise certainly don’t help.
Additionally, there’s a notable decline in Girl Scout membership, putting more strain on sales. The number of Scouts across the five districts has dropped to around 25,000—the lowest in ten years.
It’s worth mentioning that membership peaked during the pandemic at over 38,000. However, a 34% drop followed after schools and clubs closed to contain the virus, and many girls didn’t return to scouting.
Both GSGNY and Girl Scouts USA didn’t provide comments when approached for this information.
