The Glossy Podcast

Breaking down the K-shaped economy

8 snips
Dec 19, 2025
The hosts delve into the K-shaped economy, highlighting the stark divide between affluent and lower-income consumers. While luxury brands are raising prices to attract wealthier buyers, lower-end shoppers are prioritizing essentials and affordable options. TikTok Shop’s rise is revolutionizing impulse buying, blending entertainment with commerce. Retailers like Nordstrom are curating budget-friendly gift sections, responding to shifting consumer behavior. The discussion also warns luxury brands of the risks associated with over-relying on a small base of wealthy customers.
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INSIGHT

K-Shaped Economy Drives Divergent Spending

  • A K-shaped economy means the wealthy get richer while lower- and middle-income consumers fall behind.
  • Luxury spending rises even as the number of luxury buyers drops, so brands sell fewer items at much higher prices.
INSIGHT

Fewer Buyers, Far Higher Prices

  • Luxury prices climbed about 61% from 2020 to 2025 while there are 50 million fewer buyers.
  • Brands compensate smaller customer bases by extracting more revenue per purchase.
INSIGHT

Clienteling Replaces Broad Accessibility

  • Brands are shifting to concierge, high-touch services and customization to court ultra-high-net-worth clients.
  • Clienteling, private appointments, and bespoke offerings become key retention tools.
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