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A research blog transforming data into stories about consumer behavior. Hundreds of journalists trust our data. We have been cited in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and more.

Pandemic surge in ecommerce spending continues across the U.S.

The COVID-19 pandemic has crippled many traditional retailers, with previous analyses showing clothing store sales dropping by half, or more. As many Americans are still unable to patronize brick-and-mortars, that spending may be increasingly displaced toward online shopping. Nationwide, the latest data reveals that weekly ecommerce sales are up 80 percent year-over-year. The week of … Continued

Kate Gessner — 10 Jun 2020

For restaurants, COVID-19 recovery varies greatly by state

After sheltering in place for weeks, American consumers are warming up to the idea of dining out, opening both their mouths and wallets to restaurant chains across the nation. As some states begin phased re-openings, spending at quick-service restaurants year-over-year has grown in many states, especially those where shelter-in-place orders have been lifted. Meanwhile, year-over-year … Continued

Liyin Yeo — 01 Jun 2020

Discretionary Spending Up Among Stimulus Payment Recipients

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. government has begun issuing economic impact payments via the IRS to qualifying Americans. To date, the majority of stimulus payments hit bank accounts on April 14, 15, 21, and 22. These cash infusions are helping U.S. consumers cover their basic expenses as well as stimulating the economy … Continued

Kate Gessner — 08 May 2020

Spending shifts at Chewy and Rover as pet owners stay home in pandemic

In the COVID-19 era, U.S. pet owners are increasingly turning to Chewy.com, but shelter-in-place orders have been hard on Wag and Rover.

Kate Gessner — 30 Apr 2020

Consumer spending shifts by industry in the COVID-19 era

The coronavirus continues to impact Americans’ daily lives as many face the stark reality of shelter-in-place orders and a volatile financial market. By analyzing consumer spending, Second Measure transaction data can surface U.S. spending trends in near-real time to provide insights in these unprecedented times. Recent data reveals, as of the week of March 23 … Continued

Kate Gessner — 14 Apr 2020

Work-from-home coronavirus trend drives U.S. office supply spending

Shelter-in-place orders in response to the coronavirus have pushed Americans to spend more at major office supply retailers, like Office Depot and Staples.

Kate Gessner — 14 Apr 2020