Consumer Market Challenges and Impact on Spending Power

This chapter explores the challenges in the retail industry, including factors such as inflation, higher borrowing costs, and the rise in credit card balances that may lead to a slowdown in consumer spending. The speakers discuss the retailers benefiting from strong sales and outlooks, as well as the challenges faced by big retailers like Walmart and Target. They also highlight the impact of the retail calendar, the potential effects of an earlier Easter, and the significance of rent costs and potential interest rate cuts on consumer spending.