Shifting consumer expectations and buying patterns

Consumer buying patterns are in flux, shaped by macroeconomic uncertainty, GLP-1 drug adoption, shifting substance preferences, and the growing importance of trust and discoverability in high-stakes categories.

Who it affects: e-commerce brands, retail executives, CPG brands, consumers

Notable: Businesses growing at 10-20% revenue are best positioned to extract capital, while hyper-growth (60%+) reduces extraction rates. Consumers are replacing alcohol with THC for relaxation. A brewing restaurant downturn is driven by discretionary spending cuts, GLP-1 impacts, product inflation, and labor costs. Dopamine decor is growing in home markets. Consumer confidence currently favors spending over saving but may weaken as cost increases hit bank accounts.

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