The "little treat" economy

The latest retail sales data shows U.S. consumers are still spending it up, even in the face of higher tariff costs and a shaky labor market. Wealthier Americans are driving the trend, but a “culture of treats” might also play a role. Marketplace’s Kristin Schwab joins Kimberly to explain her theory. Plus, brands like Gap are pitching themselves to Gen Z by riffing on Y2K fashion. Are you onboard?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• "Retail sales up 0.6% in August from July even as tariffs hurt jobs and lead to price hikes" from AP News
• "Top 10% of Earners Drive a Growing Share of US Consumer Spending" from Bloomberg 
• "For some consumers, luxury is not a treat — it's a lifestyle" from Marketplace 
• "Why are millennial brands trying to ride the Y2K trend?" from Marketplace

• "Why Gap’s ‘Better In Denim’ Ad Struck The Right Chord" from Forbes

  
  

  We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.