Paper Clips

Insights that drive Packaging, Paper and Performance

Cautious consumers shunned big-ticket items last year

Higher tax refunds could lift discretionary spending in 2026, but the labor market is the biggest factor, according to Bank of America Institute research.

U.S. consumers last year shelled out their extra spending money on smaller items — including used goods, apparel and dining out — rather than big purchases like electronics, furniture, hotels and air travel, according to research from the Bank of America Institute earlier this month.

“2025 was defined by savvy consumers looking to stretch a dollar,” said Liz Everett Krisberg, head of the institute, and David Michael Tinsley, senior economist. They noted “a clear split in discretionary spending” by categories, based on Bank of America credit and debit card data. 

Cautious consumers shunned big-ticket items last year | Retail Dive

Related Posts

Ask Randy: Good News From The USPS

Yes, the forthcoming August 29, 2021 USPS rate increase is painful. But the USPS threw direct marketers a bone. Did you miss it? The USPS August rate case includes a size adjustment for first-class postcards. Marketers are no longer bound by the content restrictive size of 4.25” x 6” for First-Class Postcards. First-Class Postcards are now allowable up to 6” x 9”! August 29 pricing for this mail class ranges from $0.306/pc to $0.326/pc. Formerly 6” x 9” Postcards were required to mail at letter rates, either First-Class or Marketing Class depending on content. The new adjustment will give marketers a larger canvas to work with while also allowing them to benefit from the speedier in home delivery of First-Class Mail. more at: https://specialtyprintcomm.com/blog/ask-randy-good-news-usps/

Save Money on Your Direct-Mail Programs with USPS Promotions & Incentives Programs

As inboxes become more cluttered, mailboxes have become prime real estate. In fact, the latest data from the United States Postal Service shows that 73% of all households read their mail daily. Brands can cut through the noise and create memorable and tactile brand experiences by using and investing in technologies that take into account how customers interact with and use mail. Through their 2023 Monthly Mailing Promotions, the USPS is encouraging marketers, printers, and mailers to leverage advances in print and finishing technology to improve how consumers interact and engage with mail to drive customer engagement and response rates. Promotions range from using dynamic color and new print techniques to integrating mobile technology. Participants in these monthly promotions are eligible for significant discounts of up to 5%. This can add up to significant savings for big brands. One promotion to note is the 2023 Tactile, Sensory, Interactive Promotion which enhances how customers interact and engage with mail through multi-sensory experiences from visual effects, sound, scent, touch, and even taste!
Back To Top
×Close search
Search