consumer-trends
14 stories related to this topic, newest first.
Sizzlipedia / Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)McDonald'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…
Tahiru Rajab / Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)McDonald'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…
thesouthafrican.comMcDonald'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.
tass.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 review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Domino'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 review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Growth 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 review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Young 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 review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)GLP-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 review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Levi 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…