Executive Director of American Eagle notes psychological movement with GEN Z Customers -and is encouraged by economic anxiety
Us customers amplified us consumption only a little in February aftera sharp return of the previous monthsignaling that Americans buy more cautiously asConcern about the direction of the economycarrier
Retail sale only increased 0.2% in February, which is a small jump after a sharp fall of 1.2% in January, the trade department said on Monday. The sale has grown in stores, stores and garden stores and online merchants. The sale fell on car dealers, restaurants and electronics stores.
A small rise suggests that Americans may become more cautious about consumption because the stock market has fallen, and the tariff threat of President Donald Trump and a decrease in state expenses have led to thatwidespread uncertaintyamong consumers and companies.
Some economists are freed from numbers that were not worse. However, many expect consumer consumption only 1% to 1.5% per annual rate in the first three months of this year, which is far below 4.2% of winnings in the last quarter of last year.
“Consumer consumption is on its way to slowing down in this quarter, but not as much as we were afraid of before,” said Stephen Brown, an economist of Capital Economics, a consulting company, Ue -Poruci.
On Friday, measureConsumer feelingThe third month has fallen sharply and has now reduced more than 20% of December. Respondents at the Survey of the University of Michigan cited the uncertainty of politics as a leading reason for a gloomy chance. While the respondents were abruptly divided towards the party – feelings of the current economy fell much less than the Republicans than for the Democrats – the confidence of the Republicans in the future of the economy declined 10%.
Consumers from all revenue levels feel tense, according to a series of earnings on earnings in the last few weeks of the main merchants, includingWalmart,,Macy’sand General dollar.
WalmartThe biggest seller in the country and the retail sector bells, posted a weak looklast monthciting uncertainty about the tariff.
Sales in February also fell last month at gas stations, clothing stores and sports goods stores. The data is not adjusted with prices, and the gas costs have also decreased in February, which is probably a majority of falling. With the exception of gas and cars, retail sales increased 0.5%, which is a healthier number, but still modest after a fall of 0.8% in January.
Also on Monday, the National Association of Homes Builders said that his index was the measuring builder dropped three points to 39, which is the lowest level in seven months, as economic uncertainty has muffled the prospect of builders and fewer potential customers visited homes.
“Economic insecurity, threat to tariffs and elevated construction costs pushed out the feelings of the builder in March,” the group said. Homemade Tariff estimation builders will add $ 9,200The cost of a new home.
Macy says his customers, even on top -end Bluemercury and Bloomingdale’s chains, feel angry, and her financial prospects this month reflect that.
“I think the wealthy customer who buys Macy is equally uncertain and confused and worried about what’s moving,” said then Macy Tony Spring director.
Employment was mainly heldAnd there are no signs that companies release workers. As long as Americans have a job, consumption could remain resistant. But that is not insured.
Executive director Dollar General Todd Vasos said on Thursday that the entire economic picture for his customers is not ideal, and the company said he would close about 100 stores.
“Our customers are still reporting that their financial situation has worsened over the past year, as they have adversely influenced the ongoing inflation,” Vasos said during the profit call. “Many of our customers state that they only have enough money for basic basic things, noting that they had to sacrifice even on needs.”
Spending the patterns on Costco They changed to adapt to the view of the economy, including the movement towards ground beef and poultry instead of the more expensive meat cuts, said Gary Millishing, the company’s main director.
American Eagle Outfitters Executive director Jay Schottenstein said Angst was especially high among younger customers.
“Not just tariffs, not just inflation,” Schottenstein said. “We see the government rejects people. They do not know how it will affect them. And when people don’t know what they don’t know – they become very conservative.”
Retail report generally only covers the purchase of goods – as well as the sale of restaurants – but there are also signs that Americans reduce consumption and services.
Air Force Company Managers at the JP Morgan Air Force Industry Conference last week said the reservations have fallen.
“Something happened to economic feelings.
This story is originally shown on Fortune.com
