A lackluster U.S. economic recovery and declining consumer sentiment often get blamed for weak sales at restaurants. However, another important factor has emerged: Fewer women are working outside the home. Weaker consumer spending U.S. consumers continue to curb spending in the wake of the recession because they remain worried about losing their jobs in today’s
It can be challenging for a retail manufacturer to break into foreign markets, particularly when draconian import duties lead to price inflation and frustrate the growth of the retailer’s brand. Penetrating new geographies can be especially challenging for the luxury goods seller, as a key attraction for luxury consumers may involve where a product is
Tourists from China spent more money abroad in 2012 than tourists from any other country. At US$102 billion, Chinese international tourism eclipsed — by 20% — the total amount spent by either German or U.S. tourists. Only seven years earlier, China spent less than one-third of what these two countries spent on travel. As massive
Since the mid 2000s, the rise of the Chinese consumer has transformed global luxury markets, opening new horizons for European companies. The challenge is to harness the buying power of China’s rapidly growing upper-middle and more affluent classes.
In emerging markets, the growing strength of the domestic consumer is a powerful long-term investment theme that may benefit a variety of global companies. But while the emerging-market consumer is generally healthy, there is regional and country differentiation that is worth noting. In Brazil, the average income is above $10,000 per year, whereas in China
While overall consumer spending continues to fluctuate this year between marginal growth and zero growth, luxury spending is experiencing a rebound. Often considered a harbinger for consumer spending in general, global luxury goods sales rose 15% in the first quarter of 2010 alone, compared with a year ago. And many individual luxury companies have reported
What are the potential implications for consumer-sector stocks? At the margin, we think the impact of increased regulation and taxation on financial services companies could be negative — particularly for businesses that touch the consumer directly, such as credit card companies. Anything that slows economic growth, increases uncertainty, or decreases confidence is negative. What are