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Stories Tagged as

Consumer spending

The long-expected consumer pullback may finally be materializing

by Kimberly Adams
Nov 29, 2023
We spent more over the holiday, but we bought less — thanks to inflation.
While consumers spent a couple percent more this Black Friday weekend than last, they didn’t necessarily buy more.
Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images
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How toy sales are faring this holiday season

by Stephanie Hughes
Nov 28, 2023
During the first two years of the pandemic, toy sales in the U.S. grew by 30%. Now, they may be coming back to earth.
During the first two years of the pandemic, toy sales in the U.S. grew by 30%.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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Retailers wielding holiday discounts as competitive weapon

by Savannah Peters
Nov 27, 2023
Instead of marking down items to clear inventory, retailers are using discounts to draw customers away from competitors.
Sales from post-Thanksgiving promotions could influence what the rest of the holiday shopping season looks like.
Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images
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As a recession fails to materialize, some economists are changing their tune

by Justin Ho
Nov 21, 2023
The Index of Leading Economic Indicators has been pointing to a slowdown for 19 months. It hasn't materialized.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
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What counts as "discretionary" spending?

by Samantha Fields
Nov 15, 2023
Shoppers have been pulling back on "discretionary" spending at retailers.
What counts as "discretionary" spending varies from person to person, depending on their spending habits. For example, food is a necessity, but there's a difference between pantry staples and a prepared steak dinner.
Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images
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Ringing in the holiday season with consumer sentiment at a 6-month low

by Meghan McCarty Carino
Nov 10, 2023
The latest consumer survey from the University of Michigan shows that sentiment dropped for the fourth straight month.
Through lockdowns and supply chain snarls, inflation and interest rate hikes, consumer spending has remained resilient.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
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Retail group predicts record holiday spending

by Stephanie Hughes
Nov 3, 2023
The National Retail Federation predicts at least $957 billion in sales this holiday season. But that might not mean everyone is splurging.
Prices for goods are up nearly 1% from a year ago, according to the latest PCE price index.
Mark Makela/Getty Images
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Why are Americans' views on the economy so mixed?

by Kristin Schwab
Oct 30, 2023
In one poll, 44% of respondents say they’re stressed about the economy. Meanwhile, 34% say they’re optimistic.
Change is hard. And it’s not fun, even if your raise does cover how much extra you’re spending at the grocery store. 
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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GDP grew 4.9% in Q3, the highest since 2014. How'd we get here?

by Matt Levin
Oct 26, 2023
The answer will be pretty familiar: consumer spending, and lots of it.
A majority of GDP growth came from people splurging on concerts, restaurants and durable goods.
Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images
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October, that magical time of year when holiday shopping begins

by Henry Epp
Oct 12, 2023
Companies like Target, Walmart and Kohl’s held sales this week aimed at holiday shoppers, and Amazon just wrapped up its second Prime Day event of the year.
While stores might not have holiday decorations up yet, multiple retailers have sales running aimed at enticing (early) holiday shoppers.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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