In 2024, shoppers and diners in the U. S. were more careful with their money. High housing and food prices made people choosy about where they spent. Wealthy folks, for instance, started shopping at stores like Walmart and Aldi instead of pricier places. Eating out? People opted for fast food or cooking at home rather than sit-down restaurants. Department stores struggled as people bought online or from cheaper chains. Even big home renovations took a backseat, with people opting for smaller, less expensive home updates.

These changes altered the retail and dining landscape in 2024. By December, 48 retailers had filed for bankruptcy, up from 25 the previous year. In restaurants, 22 chains filed for bankruptcy—the most since 2020.

Let's look at the winners and losers. Walmart thrived during tough times, with wealthier customers sticking around due to their expanded online services and trendy clothes. Amazon's Prime Day saw record sales, but future challenges like potential tariffs and labor issues could pose problems. Fast casual spots like Shake Shack and Cava saw a boost, while wide-leg jeans were all the rage in retail. McDonald's struggled early but bounced back with a $5 meal deal.

Target struggled due to its reliance on non-essential items and a perception of being pricier. Starbucks faced long lines and consumer dislike of high prices and new offerings. Legacy restaurants like Red Lobster and TGI Fridays closed dozens of locations due to changing tastes and old-fashioned dining. Big-ticket items and home renovations saw a decline. Department stores fought to keep customers as people moved online or to fast-fashion retailers.

Shopping in 2024: A Year of Savvy Spenders and Budget Dining

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