TLDR

MARKET RECAP → Stocks dropped Thursday after a hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation report cooled the momentum in tech shares from earlier in the week.

GEN Z BRINGS MALLS BACK → Gen Z revived malls with a $150B spending power, favoring in-person shopping for social vibes, instant gratification, and Instagram-worthy experiences. 🛍️

HOLIDAY SPENDING TRENDS REVEALED → 🛍️ Inflation left holiday budgets tight, with most shoppers spending cautiously, favoring online deals, and focusing on bargains over splurges.

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TODAY’S TOP NEWS

Gen Z Brings Malls Back

🛍️ Gen Z shoppers defied expectations by flocking to malls for social connection, instant gratification, and Instagram-worthy moments. They outpaced millennials and Gen X in in-person shopping, with 63% planning to buy holiday gifts in stores.

📸 Retailers and malls adapted with selfie mirrors, pop-up concerts, and interactive exhibits. Brands like Princess Polly opened physical stores, while staples like Bath & Body Works added experiential features like "scent bars."

🎢 For Gen Z, malls are more than shopping—they're mini social hubs offering nostalgic vibes and unique experiences. With $150 billion in spending power, their mall revival is reshaping retail strategies.

TODAY’S TOP NEWS

Holiday Spending Trends Revealed

🛍️ Cautious Spending Continues: Only 16% of Americans planned to spend more this holiday season, citing inflation and tight budgets. Most shoppers aimed to spend the same or less, with average spending at $1,014 per person, down from last year's spike.

💻 Online Shopping Dominates: A majority (61%) preferred online-only sites like Amazon, followed by big-box stores and local shops. Younger shoppers and wealthier demographics leaned more heavily on online platforms, while social media influencers guided bargain hunters.

🎁 Inflation’s Lingering Impact: Despite a modest CPI rise of 2.7%, many Americans remained focused on elevated price levels from the pandemic era. Inflation and shorter shopping windows further shaped cautious consumer behavior this season.

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