Media Coverage

From unfilled gas tanks to fewer frills, retailers see US consumers rethink their spending

Americans are increasingly turning to TikTok Shop to buy shampoo, jewelry and apparel. Retailers have noticed, pushing onto the platform with their own virtual stores.

That’s according to the latest report from Circana, which said that U.S. retail spending grew modestly heading into spring, but consumer behavior beneath the surface remains shaped by a complex mix of economic headwinds and short-term tailwinds.

Market analytics company Circana credited lifestyle-driven demand for fueling a 2% gain in total U.S. retail sales revenue across discretionary general merchandise, retail food and beverage, and non-edible consumer packaged goods (CPG) for the first 10 weeks of 2026 versus the same period last year.

As consumer spending remains pressured, the path to growth in home and housewares is becoming less about following demand and more about creating it.

The pre-owned smartphone market in the U.S. remains incredibly resilient, driven by strong consumer demand for affordable, high-quality devices, as well as the growing pool of second-hand devices entering the market.

Retailers and consumer packaged goods companies head into 2026 facing a more fragile consumer, intensifying pressure on discretionary spending and a fast-accelerating shift toward value, health, and AI-enabled commerce, Circana analysts said during a recent webinar.

Challenges around the availability of memory and chip components could be a limiting factor in channel PC sales growth in 2026 if OEMs divert supply to AI infrastructure and system prices rise

Total retail spending held steady once again in December as consumers continued to spend, but they also made it clear —through reduced demand — that they have limitations.

U.S. spending on consumer technology products is expected to increase this year after declining in 2025 due to a challenged back half of the year.

Of all the industry events that attract brands, agencies and media companies, CES might be the most unwieldy. The 2026 edition includes 12 official venues spread across Las Vegas, with more than 2.5 million net square feet of exhibit space open from Jan. 6 to Jan. 9.

LAS VEGAS —It comes as no surprise that during inflationary times, consumers tend to curtail spending, or look for cheaper options.