Global Scans · Consumer · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Technology will become the new sales assistant, always on, always friendly, always delivering. Consumers will co-create and create products to their exact needs. Brands will have to focus on seizing mobile moments on apps that already have consumer's attention. Instantly explore below how lifestyles, buying behaviors and attitudes are changing and where you fall short in the battle to win consumers hearts and minds.

• [New] Consumer sentiment is expected to weaken for the third time in a row in September, falling by 1.9 points to -23.6. BMWI
• [New] Gen Z will surpass 40% of global consumer spending in 2025. Food is Health
• [New] China's real GDP growth could drop to just 4.1% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027, significantly dampening consumer spending power in China. Euromonitor
• [New] Consumer goods giants like Grupo Bimbo (bakery products) and Arca Continental (beverages) could see improved sales volumes and potentially better profit margins as input cost increases slow down. / Mexico The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] Retailers like Amazon and Walmart, hospitality chains such as Marriott International, and airlines like Delta Air Lines would anticipate increased consumer spending and business activity, boosting their revenues and encouraging investment in expansion. FinancialContent
• [New] Retailers like Walmart de Mexico y Centroamerica, consumer goods producers, and service industries could see reduced sales volumes and tighter profit margins as household incomes are squeezed and discretionary spending declines. FinancialContent
• [New] For the broader economy, moderate U.S. GDP growth is expected to decelerate to 1.5% in 2025, as consumer spending and business investment moderate. FinancialContent
• [New] The consumer response to tariffs will continue to influence price tolerance, pack mix, and channel choice through 2026. The World Financial Review
• [New] Food processors and consumer packaged goods companies, such as Kraft Heinz Company or General Mills, Inc., might see their profit margins squeezed by volatile raw material costs, especially for commodities like coffee that have surged in price. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] Retailers like Walmart and Target and other consumer-facing businesses could see reduced spending from furloughed federal employees. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] Bain & Company forecasts a 4% rise in US holiday retail sales for 2025, below the 10-year average, signalling cautious consumer sentiment. Fibre2Fashion
• [New] The upbeat consumer sentiment indicated by Delta's results could positively impact discretionary spending, benefiting a wider array of consumer cyclical stocks within the S&P 500. The Chronicle-Journal
• Challenges for Widespread Consumer AR Adoption in 2025-2030 Despite rapid growth and immense potential, widespread consumer adoption of AR faces several significant obstacles that must be overcome for continued development through 2030 and beyond. Emerline
• Consumer spending in Europe is projected to strengthen in 2026, supported by lower inflation and falling interest rates. Ksapa - en
• As the number of use cases expands and consumer education increases, we expect on-device GenAI capabilities to be incorporated into more mid-range devices, making them a standard must-have feature sooner rather than later-boosting GenAI share to over 70% by 2029. IDC: The premier global market intelligence company
• By 2030, a fifth of new cars sold in China will be fully driverless, and 70% will feature advanced assisted-driving technology - highlighting China's aggressive trajectory toward autonomous mobility. Automobility
• As 2025 progresses, Australian companies that embrace circular economy principles in packaging will benefit from regulatory compliance, environmental responsibility, and consumer trust. Carewell Group Pty Ltd
• The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index dropped to 55 in October, reflecting economic anxiety that will trickle down to SME sales and cash flow. Peacock Tariff Consulting -
• By the end of 2025, digital wallets are projected to manage over 20% of total global consumer spending. CoinLaw
• The IMF is forecasting a smaller decline in US consumer price inflation for 2025 to 2.7%, declining only to 2.4% in 2026. Al Jazeera
• Persistent declines in low-income consumer traffic and heightened cost pressures from inflation could threaten McDonald's ambitious growth and margin expansion plans. Simply Wall St

Last updated: 30 October 2025