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Consumer spending

April retail sales data add confusion to an already confusing economy

by Kristin Schwab
May 16, 2023
Between the pandemic and its economic ripple effects, the consumer experience has been a wild ride.
While consumers are cutting back on buying big-ticket items like appliances, there’s still pent-up demand for services.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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My Economy

As recreation makes a comeback, a local arcade celebrates surviving the pandemic

by Sarah Leeson
May 15, 2023
"You go out there right now in our store and there's a community," said Jamie York, owner of Game Underground.
Jamie York says Game Underground was quiet during the pandemic — but quiet isn't good in his business.
Sarah Leeson/Marketplace
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Prices are still rising, and consumers seem tired

by Sabri Ben-Achour
May 10, 2023
Prices rose 4.9% year over year in April and 0.4% during that month. Consumer fatigue is showing in higher credit card balances and lower savings.
Consumers are going to low-price stores more and buying less per visit. They're opting more frequently for generics over name brands, per Jefferies analyst Corey Tarlowe.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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What will the end of the pause on student loan payments mean for retailers?

by Stephanie Hughes
Apr 21, 2023
Discretionary spending may decline as people add those payments back into their budgets.
When payment obligations resume as expected this year, discretionary spending could dip and affect big-box retailers and local bistros alike.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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Why are Ikea and Costco expanding as other retailers close stores and lay off staff?

by Kristin Schwab
Apr 21, 2023
Opening new stores may be a way for some retailers to position themselves for both a downturn and a recovery.
Someone who once shopped at Crate & Barrel may now feel more comfortable on an Ikea budget, which could partially explain the retailer's expansion plan.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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Dour consumers have cut their spending. Could that help trigger a recession?

by Mitchell Hartman
Apr 14, 2023
Consumer sentiment's been up and down lately.
There definitely has been a decline in spending on goods like furniture and electronics, says Bill Adams of Comerica Bank.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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Consumers believe we'll see lower inflation and a strong job market later this year

by Justin Ho
Mar 31, 2023
But they plan to pull back on discretionary spending.
Consumers are increasingly pessimistic about the economy, according to the latest consumer confidence data.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Banks in Turmoil

So how are consumers feeling about the economy post-SVB?

by Matt Levin
Mar 30, 2023
It may be hard to tell from some data out Friday, which is for February. But we may still get a read on whether consumer sentiment is changing.
February consumer spending numbers will show whether January's spending numbers were an anamoly.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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"You only live once" may explain Americans' continued spending spree

by Kristin Schwab
Mar 16, 2023
Some attribute it to pent-up demand. Others think the American consumer may have changed.
From dining out more frequently to traveling more, Americans continue to splurge on services despite persistent inflation.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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No matter the economy, beauty sells

by Trina Mannino
Mar 15, 2023
Consumers can’t get enough of makeup, skincare and hair products even as inflation persists and a potential recession looms.
Stubborn inflation and the threat of a recession may lead some shoppers to cut back on nonessential items, but that doesn’t apply to their favorite mascara or face mask.
Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Sephora
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