While wealthier American shoppers have returned to patronizing high-end department stores, middle class consumers struggle to afford basics at Walmart.
- Consumers at all income levels are focused on the value of their purchase and on not overspending.
- Luxury chains report shoppers buying items such as shoes and dresses, while discount stores say their consumers are focused on food and socks.
- Shoppers focused on saving in these economically tight times cannot afford to purchase items outside of the bare essentials.
Facts and Figures
- The wealthy reigned in their spending most severely during the financial meltdown last fall.
- Walmart has had to lower their prices to encourage their regular shoppers to continue buying.
- Nordstrom’s third-quarter profit rose as sales improved compared with 2009.
Best Quote
“I used to consider shopping enertainment, but now I don’t think it’s enertainment.” – Patricia Murnane, Shopper and Risk Manager from New York
Tags: consumer spending, recession, shopping