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Consumer Spending Continues to Rise in 2022

Danielle Collard
1 Jul 2022

Merchants are slowly seeing a steady growth more akin to those seen in the 2010s [1]. As a result, many will be on the lookout to see where consumers will spend their monies.

What does rising consumer spending mean for business?

There are dozens of important factors that influence the disposable income available to a population which ultimately determines consumer spending. A cost of living crisis is being widely publicized, and the conflict in Europe has led to more of peopleโ€™s income being spent on fuel.

But despite this, the Federal Reserve implementing a .75% and excellent employment rates are likely to balance the scales somewhat and encourage consumer spending further into the year[2]. Employment is high across the USA, with unemployment down at 3.6% and an employment to population ratio of 60.1%[3].

Put simply, in most businesses, higher consumer spending indicates confidence in the economy and more money being spent by customers in most kinds of businesses. There are some sectors less affected than others by this, such as essential services that people cannot afford not to spend on or utilities and food. But even these sectors can notice the difference when people are saving more than usual.

Most industries watch consumer spending closely as a way of predicting future trade and guiding business decisions. The 2020s have seen many changes that are indicative of peopleโ€™s new expectations and interests following a difficult start to the decade. So what are the most recent changes in consumer behavior, and which industries are receiving a boost as a result?

Consumer spending trends 2022

An on-demand, improved convenience service

One of the most noticeable hangovers from the pandemic has been the normalisation of on-demand services. Delivery services boomed through the early 2020s while most other industries were struggling to maintain any kind of momentum. Meanwhile, companies that could deliver their products and services virtually, did so, which resulted in rapid service that required just a few minutes of download or a software update.

The result is a growing on-demand industry, up 75%[3]. More than ever, consumers in 2022 are expecting their spending to earn them instant service, anywhere and anytime. That is true from the point of making the purchase: from the moment they discover a need, they expect to pick up their mobile phone and buy it there and then. It is also true for receiving the product: they regularly expect delivery to begin immediately and to arrive the next day at the latest, or at their convenience.

Streaming services like Netflix, NowTV, Disney and Amazon are โ€œprimeโ€ examples. Signing up takes moments, and no sooner has a customer signed up then they can access the product. But this trend extends far beyond entertainment as check-out-free stores and autonomous delivery emerges onto the retail scene and new forms of on-demand service arise[4].

On-demand grocery services have transformed over the pandemic, with demand skyrocketing and start-ups opening all over, changing the landscape. Many of these newer grocers capitalize on modern convenience sales channels like eCommerce and app-based stores to compete strongly in growing areas.

The pandemicโ€™s effect on grocery sales have served to accelerate the growth of such companies and 2022 is continuing to show big changes to this huge retail environment. Instacart are an excellent example of this. Having been founded in 2012, offering same day delivery and a low delivery fee.

While a hard-working grocery retailerโ€™s instincts may be to panic at the thought of greater competition (with the supermarkets already dominating the industry), Gousto and co may have shone a light on the values and expectations of the market, providing every grocer with the opportunity to fulfil that same need. 2022 grocery spending is moving towards companies with the quickest service and not just the lowest prices.

The arrival of a Generation Z with disposable income 

Many parents came out of the pandemic and saw how much their children have matured in the time theyโ€™ve been stuck inside. Meanwhile, businesses are realizing that this new generation has entered the workplace.

The youngest of Gen Z were born in โ€˜97 and are now in their mid-twenties, with more money in their pocket and new values that retailers are beginning to cater to. As a generation raised with an established internet and global media, many of these values revolve around sustainability and traceable production histories.

This means that consumer behavior in many sectors is leaning towards second-hand products, recycled products, and products with packaging that demonstrates traceable, ethical, production history. It also means products that do not require packaging are selling better, with the zero waste industry expected to rise at just under 10% by 2028[5].

Retailers will notice their younger customers questioning product packaging more and more over the coming years, so taking note of which products organizations like Fairtrade give their stamps of approval will be worth the time. Although companies are noticing this and are finding ways of demonstrating their ethical production and sustainable values. Some show their circularity on the packaging while others are providing clear disposal instructions to help consumers spend and consume responsibly.

A fast-changing, experience-led environment

The retail landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years, but trends towards improved customer experience continue to be key for businesses looking to succeed.

But many companies, small and large, are finding the way to improve customer experience is to improve employee experience. Many 2021 stories exposed the radical steps some companies were taking to retain staff and improve morale, such as covering college fees and paying $18 minimum wage[5]. These indicators suggest a focus around human experience throughout retail is likely to remain high in 2022.

However, one would expect omnichannel sales capabilities to rank higher among businesses than consumers, yet the study showed a 23% gap in consumersโ€™ favor when it comes to buying online and returning in-store.

Retailers that provide online and in-store options for their customers will be optimizing their sales capabilities while operating more aligned to the experience consumers are after. Though it has taken time, most corporations are catching up to the changes that have occurred in retail: the result of this is 55% higher customer loyalty[6].

With spending on the rise, 2022 is sure to provide many opportunities for retailers to capitalize on fast-changing consumer trends that have left established giants vulnerable and created a mobile and exciting environment.