consumer spending
60 stories related to this topic, newest first.
investedwallet.comHVAC Purchases Often Cost Less During Early Spring and Early Fall
Contractors typically offer lower prices and more flexible scheduling for furnace and air conditioner replacements during periods of reduced demand. Early spring is often the lowest-cost window for air conditioning units, while late summer or early fall tends to be cheaper for fu…
finance.yahoo.comSurvey Finds One in Four Americans Delaying Car Maintenance Over Gas Prices
A new survey reports that 25 percent of American drivers are postponing vehicle maintenance because of higher fuel costs. The poll also measured related changes in driving habits and spending priorities.
Los Angeles TimesU.S. Inflation Gauge Hits Three-Year High in April
The Commerce Department reported that a key inflation measure rose to 3.8 percent in April. Real incomes fell while core prices also climbed above the Federal Reserve's 2 percent target.
SemaforGLP-1 weight loss drugs prompt changes in fashion and food sectors
A new HSBC report projects that lower food spending tied to GLP-1 drug use could reduce overall consumer spending by as much as 7 percent in some countries. Clothing brands are adjusting designs and inventory practices for changing body sizes. Wedding retailers are adding size wa…
MarketWatchDollar Tree raises full-year profit outlook after first-quarter sales beat estimates
Dollar Tree reported first-quarter sales above analyst forecasts and increased its full-year profit guidance. The company said customers are buying fewer items but spending more per visit.
Usa TodayU.S. Pet Spending Rose in 2025 While Adoption Rates Slowed
A Bank of America Institute analysis found that pet-related spending increased in 2025 even as adoption rates declined. The study examined card data across income groups and metropolitan areas.
finance.yahoo.comWells Fargo CEO Reports Improved Consumer Spending and Growth in Investment Banking
Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf said consumer spending has improved in recent weeks. He also stated that the bank's investment banking and markets businesses are performing well with expected revenue growth.
Economist Describes U.S. Economy as G-Shaped Driven by Older Americans
Ed Yardeni of Yardeni Research outlined a G-shaped economy in a client note. The description centers on spending patterns among Americans born 1946-1964 and their financial transfers to younger relatives.
foxnews.comUBS Says GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Reduce Restaurant Sales
UBS stated that rising use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could lower restaurant sales as users reduce calorie intake and eat out less. The bank expects restaurants to adjust menus with smaller portions and healthier items.
Usa TodayMeal Delivery Services Offer Convenience at Higher Cost Than Groceries
Meal delivery services ship pre-portioned ingredients or prepared meals to subscribers on a weekly schedule. Costs range from about $12.50 to $14 per serving for meal kits, plus shipping fees of $10 to $15. Services reduce meal planning time but typically exceed standard grocery…
theedgemarkets.comRetail Earnings Show Divergence Between Luxury and Discount Consumers
Earnings calls from Walmart and Ralph Lauren indicate differing performance between consumer segments. The equal-weighted consumer discretionary index relative to the S&P 500 reached its lowest level in at least 20 years.
jpost.comMillions Expected to Travel Over 50 Miles for Memorial Day Weekend
Gas prices have risen ahead of the holiday. Projections show many Americans will still drive long distances. Financial pressures limit travel for others.
lifehacker.comRetailers Discount Grills, Mattresses and Travel Gear for Memorial Day
More than half of shoppers plan to take part in Memorial Day sales this weekend, though spending is expected to be lower than in prior years. Retail experts advise buying seasonal outdoor items, mattresses and major appliances now while skipping most electronics and summer clothi…
Forbes2026 World Cup Expected to Boost Global Consumer Spending
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Nielsen data show rising U.S. viewer interest and increased purchases of snacks and beverages during prior tournaments. Host cities report softer hotel demand ahead of the…
nypost.comKevin O'Leary Recommends Two-Card Credit Strategy to Limit Risk
Investor Kevin O'Leary outlined a system using one high-limit card for in-person purchases and one $2,500-limit card for online spending. He stated that poor balance control, not the cards themselves, leads to high interest costs.
nypost.comTravel operators expand budget options for safaris, cruises and hotel amenities
Operators are adding lower-cost tiers for safaris, yacht charters, day passes and airline seating. The changes target middle-income travelers seeking premium experiences at reduced rates.
nypost.comHawaii Families of Four Spend Most on Groceries
A family of four in Hawaii spends an estimated $389.66 weekly on groceries, the highest amount among U.S. states. Data from the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey show the next-highest totals in Alaska and California.
30-Year Mortgage Rate Rises to 6.51 Percent This Week
The average U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased to 6.51 percent from 6.36 percent, Freddie Mac reported Thursday. The rate remains below the 6.86 percent level recorded one year earlier.
nypost.comU.S. Airlines Expand Premium Cabins After Spirit Bankruptcy
Major carriers are adding lie-flat business seats and premium economy sections while reducing standard economy availability. Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this month after 34 years of operation.
realclearmarkets.comU.S. Data Releases Scheduled for Inflation, GDP, Trade, and Consumer Metrics
Multiple government and private reports on inflation, economic output, trade, and consumer activity are set for release in the coming week. The schedule includes both monthly and quarterly figures.
app.buzzsumo.comCelebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck Says U.S. Demand for Beef Remains Strong
Wolfgang Puck stated on CNBC that red meat continues to be popular with American diners even as some beef prices reached record levels ahead of Memorial Day. He noted that certain premium cuts have declined in price due to imports.
theblaze.comWoman Reports Husband Accumulated $50,000 in New Credit Card Debt
A woman posting on Reddit said she discovered her husband had added roughly $50,000 in credit card balances within months. She had previously used savings and inheritance to pay off about $40,000 of his earlier debt one year before.
marketwatch.comMemorial Day Barbecue Costs Rise as Ground Beef Prices Increase 20 Percent
Ground beef prices have risen 20 percent compared with last year, increasing the cost of typical Memorial Day cookouts. Shoppers are turning to lower-cost cuts and alternative proteins to manage spending.
cnbc.comOff-Price Retailers Report Strong Sales as Walmart Notes Fuel Price Effects
Ross Stores and TJX reported quarterly sales above expectations this week. Walmart cited lower fuel purchases as a sign of consumer pressure. Consumer sentiment reached a new record low on Friday.
Restaurants focus on average order value as traffic declines
Restaurant operators reported fewer customers in 2025 while facing higher food costs. Marketers are now targeting higher-spending diners through online ordering tools to improve margins.
pymnts.comWalmart CEO Says Shoppers Feel Price Pressure
Walmart's chief executive stated that customers are experiencing higher costs. The retailer reported results amid ongoing inflation concerns.
pymnts.comOff-Price Retailer Raises Sales and Profit Outlook After First-Quarter Results
The company increased its full-year sales and profit guidance after reporting first-quarter results that exceeded analyst estimates. Stronger traffic from younger shoppers and record same-store sales growth supported the upward revision.
SemaforU.S. Retailers Report Weaker Sales Outlook as Fuel Prices Rise
Walmart and Target executives described declining consumer spending and lower fuel purchases. The reports come as fuel prices rise during the Iran conflict.
pymnts.comWalmart Reports Higher Sales as Shoppers Buy Lower-Priced Items
Walmart reported increased sales for the most recent quarter. Shoppers bought more low-price goods and reduced purchases in some categories.
rte.ieU.S. Retail Sales Remain Resilient Despite Higher Inflation and Gas Prices
Consumer spending continues to support the U.S. economy even as inflation reached 3.8 percent in April and households face higher fuel costs. Retailers including Walmart reported strong sales growth while polls show many Americans feel financial stress.
calgaryherald.comUtility Bills Projected to Rise 8 Percent This Summer
Utility bills are projected to rise 8 percent this summer amid two months of rising inflation. Experts outline steps households can take to reduce electricity, gas, and water costs.
bbc.co.ukWalmart Reports Slower Sales Growth as Gas Prices Rise
Walmart said higher gasoline prices are prompting U.S. consumers to reduce spending. The retailer lowered its sales growth forecast for the current quarter.
Walmart CFO Says Sales Remain Strong
Walmart CFO John David Rainey stated that company sales continue to perform well even as consumer spending patterns remain uneven. The comments came during a recent earnings discussion.
videogameschronicle.comWalmart Says It Will Use Tariff Refunds to Lower Prices
Walmart executives stated on Thursday that the company may direct tariff refunds toward price reductions. They also noted that rising fuel costs are affecting customer spending patterns.
theedgemarkets.comVAT Rate on UK Holiday Attractions Cut to 5 Percent for Summer
Officials announced a temporary reduction in the value-added tax rate applied to certain leisure activities. The measure covers theme parks, zoos, museums and children's tickets for cinemas, concerts, soft play and theatre. It also lowers the tax on children's meals in restaurant…
foxbusiness.comWalmart reports lower sales forecast
Walmart reported first-quarter results that topped revenue estimates but issued a softer outlook for the current quarter and full year. Finance chief John David Rainey said higher tax refunds had eased the impact of elevated fuel costs on shoppers so far.
Abc NewsWalmart Reports First Quarter Sales
Walmart posted higher-than-expected first-quarter sales of $177.75 billion and earnings of $5.33 billion. The company issued a cautious forecast for the current quarter due to tariffs, rising gasoline prices, and broader economic pressures.
bstrategyhub.comWalmart, Target and TJX report higher sales as fuel costs rise
Walmart, Target and TJX reported sales growth in recent quarters. The results came as higher fuel prices increased costs for many goods.
benzinga.comTJX Reports Higher Sales and Raises Annual Buyback Target
TJX posted a 6 percent increase in same-store sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2027. The company raised its full-year share repurchase target and reported $1.1 billion in operating cash flow.
benzinga.comTarget Reports Stronger-Than-Expected First-Quarter Sales and Raises Full-Year Outlook
Target posted fiscal first-quarter earnings and revenue above Wall Street forecasts. Same-store sales rose 5.6 percent, the first increase in five quarters, and the retailer lifted its full-year sales growth target to 4 percent.
cnbc.comU.S. National Average Gasoline Price Reaches $4.50 per Gallon
The national average price for a gallon of gasoline has risen more than $1.50 since the start of the conflict with Iran. The increase has raised monthly fuel costs for drivers in several states.
SemaforU.S. Alcohol Industry Faces Inflation and Weak Demand
The U.S. alcohol industry is contending with both rising costs and reduced consumer demand. Production cutbacks and inventory buildup have followed earlier pandemic-era expansions.
benzinga.comHome Depot Reports Americans Scaling Back Large Remodeling Projects
Home Depot said Americans are reducing spending on major home improvement projects amid economic uncertainty and a subdued housing market. The retailer cited affordability pressures as a key factor.
forbes.comRetail Sales Rise 0.5 Percent in April Despite Higher Inflation
U.S. retail sales increased in April even as the Consumer Price Index rose 3.8 percent year over year. A Kearney report examines how households are adjusting spending patterns.
focustaiwan.twFour Major Retailers to Report Quarterly Earnings This Week
Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart and Target will release first-quarter results this week. The reports are expected to show how U.S. households are responding to higher gas prices, inflation and borrowing costs.
salon.comCracker Barrel Launches 10-Week Summer Road Trip Sweepstakes
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. started a 10-week sweepstakes on Monday that awards weekly prizes to customers who purchase qualifying entrées. The promotion runs during a period of elevated gas prices.
Consumers Shift to Lower-Cost Goods as Inflation Rises
Shoppers are buying cheaper alternatives as prices increase. Retailers that sell lower-priced items are seeing more customers. The change comes as inflation remains high.
SemaforPoll Finds One in Four Americans Use Installment Plans for Online Purchases
A Gallup poll released May 18, 2026, shows 25 percent of Americans use installment plans when buying online. The share rises to 37 percent among lower-income households and 46 percent among those who say they lack enough money to live comfortably.
manilatimes.netGasoline Share of U.S. Household Spending Declines
Gasoline now represents a smaller portion of U.S. household budgets. The change comes as overall consumer spending patterns shift.
thehindubusinessline.comWalmart and Target to Report Quarterly Sales After Iran Conflict
Walmart and Target will release earnings this week showing consumer spending patterns during the Iran conflict. The reports will detail changes in shopping behavior since the start of the conflict.
reviewjournal.comWashington Pizza Chain Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
A Washington-based wood-fired pizza chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week. The filing lists assets of up to $50,000 and liabilities between $100,000 and $500,000.
MarketWatchU.S. Retail Sales Rise for Third Straight Month in April
Retail sales increased in April, extending a streak of three consecutive monthly gains. Higher gasoline prices contributed significantly to the rise in overall sales figures. MarketWatch reported that the gains were partly driven by inflation effects rather than increased volume…
New York PostAlbertsons Reports Drop in Produce Sales and Sharp Decline in Profit
Albertsons said produce sales declined in its latest fiscal year even as the section has traditionally ranked among its most profitable. The company reported overall sales rose 3.5 percent but net income fell to $217.4 million from $958.6 million the prior year after its planned…
ABC NewsUS Grocery Prices Rose 2.9% in April 2026, Matching Recent Trends as Egg Prices Fall Sharply
Government data released Tuesday showed food-at-home prices increasing 2.9 percent year-over-year, driven by sharp gains in beef, coffee, fresh produce and tomatoes. Overall food prices including restaurants climbed 3.2 percent, even as egg prices fell 39 percent. Economists said…
nypost.comFed Survey Shows 73 Percent of Adults Doing Okay Financially
The Federal Reserve published its 2025 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking on May 13 showing 73 percent of adults reported doing okay or living comfortably. The share marks stability from recent years yet reveals declines for young adults, low-income families and Bla…
Usa TodayAverage New Car Price in U.S. Reaches $49,461 in April
The average transaction price for a new vehicle in the United States rose to $49,461 in April 2026. Only five major brands recorded average sales prices below $40,000 that month. The average manufacturer's suggested retail price stood at $51,607.
themandarin.com.auWage Growth Concentrated Among Higher-Income Households in April
Higher-income households saw after-tax wage growth of 6 percent year-over-year in April while lower-income households experienced only 1.5 percent growth that barely offset rising gas costs, according to Bank of America Institute data. Overall consumer credit and debit card spend…
France 24U.S. Consumer Prices Rose 3.8 Percent in April
Consumer prices increased 3.8 percent annually in April, exceeding the 3.7 percent forecast, driven by soaring energy prices linked to the war in Iran. The conflict has disrupted global fuel supplies, raised costs for travel, food and housing, and prompted businesses and consumer…
news.google.comAldi Gains 17 Million U.S. Customers, Plans 180 New Stores as Shoppers Seek Lower Grocery Prices
Aldi opened nearly 200 stores last year and plans 180 more in 2026 while warehouse clubs like Costco report strong sales gains. A Consumer Reports study found several discount chains beat Walmart on price. Shoppers cite economic pressures that began in the COVID-19 pandemic.
cnbc.comTarget Adds Premium Baby Boutiques to 200 Stores in Bid to Reverse Sales Slump
The retailer has introduced hands-on baby boutiques featuring UPPAbaby, Stokke and Bugaboo in roughly 10% of its locations as part of its largest investment in the category in more than a decade. Chief Merchandising Officer Cara Sylvester highlighted the spending power of familie…