consumer trends
31 stories related to this topic, newest first.
forbes.comU.S. Rum Market Projected to Reach $20.6 Billion in 2026
Market research firm Persistence Market Research reported the U.S. rum market will reach $20.6 billion in 2026 and $29.6 billion by 2033. The projection carries a 5.3 percent compound annual growth rate from 2026 to 2033.
SemaforCapsule toy stores reach 1,400 locations across Japan
Japan now has about 1,400 stores selling small toys from coin-operated machines. The stores occupy retail spaces left vacant after the pandemic. The trend coincides with a record low number of children in the country.
Pop Mart Website Traffic Declines After Labubu Sales Peak
Web traffic to the Pop Mart website fell sharply after the Labubu trend peaked in summer 2025. The company reported that 40 percent of its revenue still came from the product in March 2026.
Jewelers Identify Summer Trends in Beads, Mixed Metals, and Cocktail Rings
Jewelers and stylists told Business Insider that colorful beaded gemstone pieces, mixed-metal stacks, and oversized rings are gaining favor for summer 2026. They also noted rising interest in vintage and inherited jewelry while dainty and logo-heavy items are losing ground.
boredpanda.comHooters CEO Says Chain Shifting Focus to Families
Hooters is updating its image and uniforms to emphasize a beach theme rather than overt sex appeal. CEO Neil Kiefer said the changes aim to bring back customers who left after the brand became more sexualized.
New York PostEssentials Hoodies Priced From $130 to $200 for Some Children
The clothing line created by Jerry Lorenzo in 2011 and expanded with its Essentials line in 2018 now includes T-shirts priced around $33 and some children's hoodies priced from $130 to $200. Parents report that the items have become popular among tweens and teens.
winnipegfreepress.comU.S. EV Sales Fell in April While Hybrid Sales Rose
Sales of new electric vehicles declined in April even as gasoline prices increased. Hybrid vehicle sales rose during the same period. Data from two research firms showed different rates of decline for EVs.
The IndependentChartreuse Emerges as Fashion's Leading Color for 2026
Chartreuse, a yellow-green shade, appeared on multiple spring and summer 2026 runways. Shoppers have increased purchases of chartreuse garments according to payment data.
Usa TodayCaffeine Pouches Gain Popularity Among Young Adults
Caffeine pouches are appearing at social events and workplaces as an alternative to energy drinks. Some experts have raised questions about use among teenagers.
wdwnt.com1996 Holiday Doll Sales Created Shopping Frenzy
A giggling stuffed doll sparked widespread store chaos during the 1996 holiday season. The event foreshadowed later consumer rushes for limited products.
France 24Non-Alcoholic Wine Market Expands as Consumers Seek Alternatives
The non-alcoholic wine sector is growing in response to changing consumer preferences. Amanda Thomson, founder and CEO of Noughty, discussed the drivers behind this expansion in an interview with France 24.
Fox NewsReport Shows Decline in Restaurant Bottle Wine Orders
A new industry report finds fewer diners ordering bottles of wine for the table. Restaurants are responding by expanding premium non-alcoholic drink options and adjusting pricing.
citizen.co.zaGlobal Wine Consumption Declined in 2025, Industry Group Reports
The wine industry's trade body said consumption declined worldwide last year amid shifting consumer lifestyles and economic pressures. The statement was issued on Tuesday. No specific volume of the decline was disclosed.
Average New Vehicle Listing Price Hits $50,400 in April as Used-Car Prices Reach Highest Level Since Mid-2023
CarGurus data shows average new vehicle listing prices rose 1 percent from a year earlier while used car prices reached nearly $30,000. Gas prices have surged from $2.98 per gallon in late February to $4.52, boosting shopper interest in hybrids and EVs. Moody's analysis indicates…
Le MondeChicken Fast-Food Chains Expand Rapidly Across France
The number of fast-food outlets specializing in chicken has doubled in France over the past five years to 707 locations. The sector reached a market value of €1.2 billion, rising 8 percent in a single year. Customers cite larger portions and lower cost per quantity compared with…
Usa TodayThree New Electric SUVs Among Lowest-Selling Vehicles in Early 2026
The three worst-selling vehicles so far this year are all electric SUVs, with the 2026 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron recording just six units sold. Toyota's new C-HR has moved 13 units since reaching dealerships in early 2026, while Audi's Q6 Sportback e-tron stands at nine. Usa Today…
FortuneAmerican Express CEO Stephen Squeri Boosts Company Performance Since 2018
Stephen Squeri became CEO of American Express in 2018 after a 30-year career at the company. Under his leadership, the company has focused on premium credit cards for younger affluent consumers, leading to stock returns of 16.6% annually. This performance exceeds that of major pe…
New York PostMcDonald's to Remove Self-Serve Soda Fountains from U.S. Locations by 2032
McDonald's is eliminating self-serve soda fountains from its U.S. dining rooms nationwide as part of a modernization push. The changes will roll out gradually over the next several years during restaurant remodels. The company is also introducing new beverages like dirty sodas an…
New York PostMcDonald's Plans to Eliminate Self-Serve Soda Fountains in US Restaurants by 2032
McDonald's is phasing out self-serve beverage stations in its U.S. dining rooms over the next several years. The change aims to modernize restaurants, reduce labor and maintenance needs, and align with trends favoring takeout and drive-thru services. The transition will be comple…
Trizek (WMF) / Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)Starbucks Releases New Energy Refreshers as Q2 Earnings Show First Growth in Over Two Years
Starbucks introduced its new Energy Refreshers platform in April 2026, expanding customizable caffeine options in fruit-flavored drinks. The launch aligns with robust fiscal second-quarter results, including $9.5 billion in revenue and a 7.1% rise in U.S. comparable sales. Compet…
indiatoday.intoday.inMcDonald's Announces Launch of Six New Crafted Beverages in U.S. Restaurants
McDonald's stated it will introduce six new beverages, including refreshers and crafted sodas, starting May 6 in U.S. locations. The move follows trends in customized drinks popularized on TikTok and aims to boost afternoon sales. Other fast-food chains like Wendy's and Taco Bell…
news.sky.comClaire's Closes 154 UK and Ireland Stores, Cuts 1,300 Jobs
Accessories retailer Claire's has shut down all its standalone stores in the UK and Ireland following financial difficulties, resulting in over 1,300 redundancies. Concession outlets and European operations remain open amid competition from online and physical rivals.
thesouthafrican.comAmazon Expands Online Car Sales Program to Over 130 U.S. Cities
Amazon has extended its online vehicle purchasing platform, Amazon Autos, to more than 130 cities across the U.S. The program, which began as a test with Hyundai in late 2024, now includes listings from Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Chevrolet, and Jeep. Customers can complete most of the b…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewDomino's Introduces Italiano's Pizza Range with Five New Varieties in the UK
Domino's has launched a new pizza collection called Italiano's, featuring five varieties with a thinner crust and premium toppings. The range includes ingredients such as nduja, goat's cheese, and pesto. The company stated the lineup responds to customer demand for restaurant-sty…
news.sky.comEstimated Annual Costs of Pet Ownership in 2026
Pet ownership in 2026 involves annual routine expenses of $4,272, according to a report. Veterinary fees are expected to rise. Prospective owners should consider these costs before adopting a pet.
Гамлет Маркарян / Wikimedia (CC0)US E-commerce Share of Retail Sales Reaches Record 16.6 Percent
E-commerce accounted for 16.6 percent of total US retail sales in the most recent quarter, marking a record high. This represents nearly one dollar out of every six spent in US retail occurring online. The figure compares to 0.8 percent in the first quarter of 2000.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewGrowth in Dog-Specific TV Channels Amid Mixed Research on Viewer Engagement
The number of television channels designed for dogs has increased in recent years. Research findings vary on whether dogs actively watch these programs. This development reflects broader trends in pet entertainment products.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewYoung Americans Purchase Notebooks from Paris-Based Louise Carmen Amid Journaling Trend
Notebooks produced by Paris-based Louise Carmen are being bought by young Americans. This trend coincides with increased journaling popularity following the COVID-19 pandemic. The items, priced at $200, have gained attention among this demographic.
citizen.co.zaGLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Drive Potential $13 Billion Boost in Apparel Retail Spending
Millions of individuals using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss are increasing their purchases of new clothing from retailers. Equity research firm Bernstein estimates this trend could generate up to $13 billion in annual spending for the apparel sector. The development highlights a gr…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewGLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Prompt Retailers to Adjust for Changing Consumer Sizes
Tens of millions of Americans are using GLP-1 drugs that lead to rapid weight loss. This shift in body sizes is driving demand for new clothing. Retailers are adapting their inventories to meet the needs of these consumers.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewLevi Strauss CEO Discusses Earnings Beat and Consumer Trends on CNBC
Michelle Gass, CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., appeared on CNBC's Squawk on the Street to review the company's recent earnings report. She highlighted the effectiveness of the company's strategies amid current consumer conditions. The interview covered financial performance and market…