An activist group, The People’s Union USA, is calling for a complete boycott of consumer spending in the U.S. on Feb. 28.

It’s called bifurcation — the split in stores and brands catering a budget-conscious consumer on one end and luxury-focused one on the other.

Economic growth was healthy in 2024, coming in at 2.8% compared to 2.9% in 2023. The continuing expansion is driven by consumers.

Consumers tend to overestimate where inflation will be, but if you look at their expectations three years from now, they believe it will slow down.

Some retailers are having to adapt to climate change.

And economists wonder how long those who are better-off can even keep it up.

Retail giant Target appears to be banking on refreshed product lines, which can make shopping feel more like a treasure hunt.

Incomes are up, consumption is up too — but the personal savings rate is down to 3.4%.

Spending in many sectors, like furniture and online shopping, was strong. Falling prices also depressed the top line numbers in some categories.

“I’m not embarrassed to say I bought something from Walmart anymore,” says one such shopper.