The "little treat" economy
Update: 2025-09-16
Description
The latest retail sales data shows U.S. consumers are still spending it up, even in the face of higher tariff costs and a shaky labor market. Wealthier Americans are driving the trend, but a “culture of treats” might also play a role. Marketplace’s Kristin Schwab joins Kimberly to explain her theory. Plus, brands like Gap are pitching themselves to Gen Z by riffing on Y2K fashion. Are you onboard?
Here’s everything we talked about today:
- "Retail sales up 0.6% in August from July even as tariffs hurt jobs and lead to price hikes" from AP News
- "Top 10% of Earners Drive a Growing Share of US Consumer Spending" from Bloomberg
- "For some consumers, luxury is not a treat — it's a lifestyle" from Marketplace
- "Why are millennial brands trying to ride the Y2K trend?" from Marketplace
"Why Gap’s ‘Better In Denim’ Ad Struck The Right Chord" from Forbes
We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.
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