May 15, 2024
As Consumers Pause Spending in April, Is Summer Slowdown Looming...

It remains to be seen if April will be the pause that refreshes or if consumers will pinch their wallets shut for a longer period, ushering in summer doldrums for merchants. The U.S. Department of Commerce detailed...

May 14, 2024
Adults Are Buying More Toys as Families Cut Back

Parents are buying fewer toys and games for their children, but adult collectors are still splurging on premium dolls, figurines and such, and toy and game companies are expanding their direct-to-consumer...

May 14, 2024
Fashion Shoppers’ Shift to Digital Sends Physical Retailers Packing

Consumers are increasingly buying clothing from third-party digital marketplaces, forcing more retailers to close shop. Most recently, Ted Baker’s North American business announced Friday (May 10) that amid bankruptcy proceedings in the United...

May 13, 2024
Fed Says Consumers See Higher-for-Longer Inflation

Consumers are girding for inflation to settle in over the long haul. But they intend to keep spending. As reported on Monday (May 13), the  Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Center...

May 13, 2024
Sticky Prices Continue to Pressure Consumers  

This week, the latest spate of data from the government on spending trends will be released. Retail sales data will track consumer demand for finished goods that fly off merchants’...

May 12, 2024
Fast-Casual Dining Slows Amid Consumer Pressure

Consumer caution at restaurants is reportedly dampening business at fast-casual eateries. As Bloomberg News reported Saturday (May 11), restaurants such as Red Lobster — which is mulling bankruptcy — and TGI...

May 10, 2024
Banks Urge Fed to Withdraw Rule Lowering Cap on Debit...

Beyond the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)’s new rule that would cap credit card late fees, banks are girding for the impact of the Federal Reserve’s updated Reg II proposal,...

May 10, 2024
Sally Beauty: High-Income Consumers Splurge, but Low-Income Shoppers Still Cautious

As middle- and high-income consumers return to treating themselves to nice-to-haves, such as new personal care products and services, Sally Beauty is seeing low-income shoppers continuing to cut back amid ongoing economic...

May 10, 2024
U. Michigan Survey Shows Inflation and Unemployment Weighing on Consumer...

Consumers are souring about the near-term outlook — on inflation, job prospects and interest rates. Where there’s worry, there’s possibly some saving for a rainy day at the expense of...