Consumer spending habits are shifting sharply under renewed cost of living pressures, with Australians cutting back on discretionary purchases while turning to more practical alternatives. Demand for weight-loss medications has surged as budget constraints push people toward health-focused savings, while cheaper, store-brand alternatives—known as "dupes"—are gaining popularity over premium products. Retailers are adjusting strategies to meet these trends, though some areas, like handwritten correspondence, remain surprisingly resilient despite broader financial tightness. The latest reporting season highlights how inflation and economic strain are reshaping everyday shopping decisions.
Reporting season shows how consumers are responding to cost of living pressures and how retailers are respondingGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralians are buying less pizza but more weight-loss drugs. They love “dupes” but don’t enjoy writing letters.Here are five key takeaways from the August reporting season that show what consumers are buying as cost of living pressures reignite, and how retailers are responding. Continue reading...
