The average consumer remains healthy by historical standards, despite raging inflation and rapidly increasing debt. However, there is little doubt that a persistently cautious outlook has translated to deceleration in retail sales growth and consumer sentiment at historic lows. While there are some sector winners of note, companies would do well to chart a new course now to address the stormy weather on the horizon.

A persistently cautious outlook is decelerating retail sales growth, with Q3’s modest YOY percentage increase in line with the previous quarter

 

Consumer sentiment has fallen for four consecutive quarters and is at its lowest level since the global financial crisis of 2008

 

The rate of consumer debt continues to rise rapidly, up 8% YOY in Q3 2022, with income only up by 2% in the same period

 

On a monthly basis, AlixPartners charts sales, sentiment and supply chains in consumer-facing businesses. Learn more about the Consumer Products Corner newsletter and read previous articles, here.