You Can Take a Stake in Elon's xAI Before May 1st...

Elon Musk's private AI firm xAI may have just leapfrogged ChatGPT and Google's Gemini--building what experts call the future of AI. For the first time, you can take a stake starting at $500.

Value-seekers drove 2024's retail trends and dead ends

ANNE D'INNOCENZIO and DEE-ANN DURBIN
December 30, 2024

Value was in vogue in 2024.

Shoppers and restaurant patrons in the U.S. were choosy about where and how to spend their money as they wrestled with high housing and food prices.

Well-heeled customers traded down to Walmart and Aldi. Diners opted for fast food or home cooking instead of sit-down restaurants. Department stores struggled as buyers shopped online or at cheaper chains like H&M.

Residents also moved away from buying furniture or investing in expensive renovations, opting to refresh their homes with inexpensive items like frames and candles.

Those shifts changed the buying and eating landscape in 2024. As of Dec. 20, Coresight Research tracked 48 retail bankruptcies in the U.S., compared with 25 during the same period a year ago. And at least 22 restaurant chains filed for bankruptcy this year, the highest number since 2020, according to BankruptcyData, a company that tracks filings.

Here are some of the trends - and dead ends - that The Associated Press tracked in 2024:

WINNERS:

WALMART

The nation's largest retailer typically shines during tough times as shoppers turn to the discounter for groceries, which account for 60% of Walmart's total business. And just like during the 2008 Great Recession, Walmart saw households with incomes of $100,000 or above making up more of its clientele. But this time around, company executives think they can keep those customers because they've expanded online services and added more stylish clothes and mannequins.

AMAZON

Online juggernaut Amazon leaned into its reputation as a destination for deals to appeal to bargain-hungry buyers. In November it launched Amazon Haul, a new low-cost storefront featuring electronics, apparel and other products priced under $20. And the company said its Prime Day event in July resulted in record sales. But Amazon could face headwinds in the coming year with threatened tariffs on products from China and labor unrest in the U.S.

FAST CASUAL CHAINS

It was a good year for restaurant chains like Shake Shack that are a step up from fast food but still offer good value. Cava, which specializes in fresh Mediterranean food, said its revenue surged more than 33% in the first nine months of this year as it rapidly built new restaurants. Chipotle got some heat from value-conscious diners about smaller portions, but drew customers back after retraining workers to ensure "consistent and generous" portions.

JEANS SELLERS

The wide-leg jeans silhouette - the "it" style that rapidly replaced boot-cut and skinny jeans - drove sales across many different retailers this year. Macy's, Abercrombie & Fitch, Levi Strauss, Gap and Stitch Fix were among those citing the trend as a big sales booster in recent months. Value-conscious buyers could snap them up at Walmart for $29. At the high end, Gucci had wide-leg versions for $1,200.

MCDONALD'S

The year didn't begin well for McDonald's. The company's sales slumped as inflation-weary customers chose to eat at home instead of grabbing fast food. But a $5 meal deal introduced in June helped draw lower-income customers back into stores. McDonald's extended the deal through the end of this year and said more value is coming in 2025. The fast food giant is working to get customers back after a fall E. coli outbreak linked to raw onions in Quarter Pounder hamburgers sickened at least 104 people in 14 states.

LOSERS:

TARGET

Target's cheap chic fashions and home decor have long been a big attraction, but the chain faced challenges in 2024. Unlike Walmart, Target is more reliant on discretionary items like clothing because less than a quarter of its sales come from food and beverages. It has always battled a perception of being more expensive, and analysts say its merchandise has lately been in disarray. Still, Target drew crowds on Black Friday with exclusive Taylor Swift products.

STARBUCKS

Starbucks had a tough year. Orders are getting increasingly complex, with thousands of ways to customize drinks. That's leading to long lines and incorrect pickup times on the mobile app. New offerings like olive oil-infused coffee didn't attract customers, who also grew tired of Starbucks' high prices. Starbucks hired a new CEO, Brian Niccol, in the fall to help turn things around. But labor strife, which led to strikes in December, could continue to hurt the company in 2025.

LEGACY RESTAURANTS

Several decades-old chains threw in the towel in 2024, succumbing to rising competition, changing dining patterns and big portfolios of outdated restaurants. Red Lobster, TGI Fridays and Buca di Beppo all filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and shuttered dozens of locations. A leaner Red Lobster later exited bankruptcy under new ownership, but it remains to be seen whether older chains can turn around years of declining sales.

BIG TICKET ITEMS

At the height of the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. consumers took advantage of low interest rates and stimulus benefits to remodel their homes and make other big purchases. But last year, they pulled back. That's been a challenge for retailers like Best Buy, the nation's largest consumer electronics chain, which noted lower sales of appliances, home theaters and gaming equipment. Home Depot and Lowe's also reported lower sales of big-ticket items, particularly discretionary kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects.

DEPARTMENT STORES

Department stores, particularly those catering to middle income shoppers, have struggled to hold onto customers as many turn to online shopping or to fast-fashion retailers. Among the worst performers: Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin-based Kohl's, which reported its 11th consecutive quarter of sales declines this year. Outgoing CEO Tom Kingsbury recently owned up to merchandising mistakes, including scaling back fine jewelry, popular store label brands and petite sizes. Customers will see those categories return in the coming year.

Macy's said it would close 150 namesake stores over three years and open 15 higher-end Bloomingdale's. Upscale Nordstrom, on the other hand, had a better than expected fiscal year due largely to soaring sales at its off-price Nordstrom Rack stores.

Continue Reading...

Popular

IRS whistleblower on Hunter Biden is out as acting commissioner just days after getting the job

WASHINGTON (AP) — Just days after to acting IRS commissioner, the whistleblower who testified publicly about investigations into Hunter Biden’s taxes is out of the job, according to three people familiar with the decision.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene bought stocks hit hard by Trump tariffs during the market meltdown

NEW YORK (AP) — Give Marjorie Taylor Greene credit where it’s due: As stocks tanked on tariff fears, she showed her faith in the president not just with words but dollar bills.

One Coin to Rule Them All... - Ad

Hardly any investors are talking about this coin but I believe that's about to change with some potentially huge news! Get in on the ground floor while it's rock bottom with this new how-to guide, just $3.

Visa cancellations sow panic for international students, with hundreds fearing deportation

WASHINGTON (AP) — At first, the bar association for immigration attorneys began receiving inquiries from a couple students a day. These were foreigners studying in the U.S., and they'd their legal status had been terminated with little notice. To their knowledge, none of the students had committed a deportable offense.

Here's a look at recent aircraft tragedies, mishaps and close calls

The killed all six on board — a physician couple and their accomplished children and partners — during a family trip to the Catskills.

Defi Coin Triggers All "Buy" Signals and Could Break Out Soon - Ad

Some are calling this the most promising DeFi project since Ethereum itself. Here's the #1 DeFi Coin Set to Soar. While Bitcoin grabs headlines, this lesser known DeFi coin is quietly gearing up for a monster rally. Experts say now is the time to buy before it reaches escape velocity.

PHOTO ESSAY: In a Greek island monastery, a monk has kept together faith and community for 50 years

AMORGOS, Greece (AP) — For more than 50 years, Spyridon Denaxas — or Father Spyridon, as he’s affectionately called — has prayed, worked and welcomed the faithful in a millennium-old monastery carved into a seaside cliff on the Greek island of Amorgos.

Trump meets with the House GOP as his 'big' bill of tax breaks and spending cuts teeters

WASHINGTON (AP) — found himself in a familiar jam on Tuesday: Conservative Republican holdouts are stalling action on "big” bill of tax breaks and spending reductions, refusing to accept approved over the weekend because it doesn't cut enough.

Elon Musk Drops Stunning Bombshell? - Ad

Behind closed doors, Musk revealed a game-changing breakthrough technology that could shake the tech world & crush major companies. Why is no one talking about it? Luckily, we had a man on the inside - watch now to see the details & how to profit!

Crypto Attorney Sues US Government To Unmask Satoshi Nakamoto, Creator Of Bitcoin

In another interesting twist in the Satoshi Nakamoto saga, cryptocurrency lawyer James Murphy sued the U.S. government in an attempt to determine the identity of the pseudonymous Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) creator.

A "Backdoor" Way to Claim a Stake in Elon's Optimus Before Its Launch - Ad

In 2017, Elon Musk went on record to say his Optimus could be "capable of doing anything". One Silicon Valley insider has identified a little-known "backdoor" way to invest in Optimus before its launch. This under-the-radar play could deliver astronomical returns - and you can get started with as little as $100.

Meta CEO Zuckerberg spars with FTC lawyer over meaning of emails cited in antitrust trial

WASHINGTON (AP) — Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg sparred Tuesday with a Federal Trade Commission attorney over the meaning of emails the Facebook founder wrote about why he wanted to acquire Instagram, as a historic antitrust trial alleging Meta illegally monopolized the social media market went into its second day.

Trump administration reverses long-held guidance on 'road diets' for traffic safety

A stylist was just starting her shift at a salon in Kansas City, Missouri, when a car smashed through the storefront window and landed in the waiting area a few feet away.

The Most Important "AI Stock" You've Never Heard Of - Ad

The AI revolution is moving faster than anyone expected. But what no one is talking about is the one company AI simply can't exist without. It may be the single most important AI investment, yet most people don't even know its name. For now. The moment Wall Street catches on, this $20 stock could explode.

Paige Bueckers talks about her investment stake in Unrivaled league on 'Good Morning America'

NEW YORK (AP) — Paige Bueckers is ready to start not just her WNBA career with the Dallas Wings but her career as a businesswoman as well.

World Economic Forum: "Arguably the Most Exciting Human Discovery Since Fire" - Ad

Sam Altman, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg are all investing vast sums of money into a radical technology. According to Bloomberg, this could become 10 times bigger than AI, quantum computing, electric vehicles, cryptocurrencies, and robotics combined. And one stock is at the center of it all.

Will the tariffs lead to a recession? Here's how to know if we're in one

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's last week have sent the stock market into a tailspin, raised alarm bells among Wall Street executives, and heightened many economists' worries that the U.S. could tip into recession.

Stocks Edge Up On Strong Bank Earnings, Netflix Soars, Dollar Rebounds: What's Driving Markets Tuesday?

Wall Street gained ground by midday trading on Tuesday, as investor concerns over the economic impact of trade tensions continued to ease following recent signs that the Trump administration was taking a more conciliatory approach.

New Study: 50 Stocks Will Crash While 7 MAGA Stocks Will Soar - Ad

If you own any of these stocks -- directly or through mutual funds -- I want to encourage you to sell them before April 30th. I've compiled all 50 companies in my "MAGA Blacklist" report. Your retirement could depend on seeing this list.

Powell says Federal Reserve can wait on any interest rate moves

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve can stay patient and wait to see how tariffs and other economic policies of the Trump administration before making any changes to interest rates, Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday.

Internal Revenue Service agrees to send immigrant tax data to ICE for enforcement

WASHINGTON (AP) — The has agreed to share immigrants' tax data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the purpose of identifying and deporting people illegally in the U.S., according to a document signed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Musk: My New Robots Could Be Bigger Than Tesla - Ad

With DOGE, Elon Musk isn't afraid of controversy. He's introduced new, humanoid Optimus robots. They'll soon be building Teslas, but that's not all they'll do. Musk also mentioned these AI-brained robots could serve as "romantic companions" for lonely people. Is this the future of AI? No one should bet against Musk.

Big Bank CEOs Weigh In On Trump's Turbulent Economy

Several CEOs of the largest U.S. banks have recently expressed concerns about the economic fallout, market volatility and broader uncertainty resulting from President Donald Trump's new trade policies. 

Meet The New Income Machines: Simplify Debuts SBAR And XV

Simplify Asset Management launches two innovative ETFs designed to provide structured, high-yielding income with well-defined downside risk in today's challenging investing environment.

Elon's Greatest Invention... Hidden in South Memphis? - Ad

Tech legend Jeff Brown recently traveled to the industrial zone of South Memphis to investigate what he believes will be Elon's greatest invention ever... Yes, even bigger than Tesla or SpaceX.

Ex-Abercrombie CEO has dementia and is unfit for sex trafficking trial, prosecutors and defense say

NEW YORK (AP) — The former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch is suffering from dementia and isn't competent to , according to prosecutors and his lawyers.

Expect more fake eggs made of colored marshmallows or even potatoes on this year's Easter spread

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — With egg prices high, the internet has offered up a host of alternatives, with crafters painting rocks and influencers dyeing everything from marshmallows to potatoes.

Trump to Unlock 15-Figure Fortune for America (May 3rd)? - Ad

This map looks ordinary--but according to insider Jim Rickards, it reveals a hidden government asset so massive . Trump may soon unlock it--learn how to position yourself before it's too late!

Anthony Scaramucci Says 26 Years Ago Warren Buffett's Amazon Caution Cost Him Millions: Former Trump Official Sees Today's AI Hype As History Repeating

Anthony Scaramucci shared how Warren Buffett's caution in 1999 led him to miss out on millions in Amazon stock, and how he believes the current skepticism surrounding AI mirrors that same missed opportunity.

Trump considers pausing his auto tariffs as the world economy endures whiplash

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Monday suggested that he might temporarily exempt the auto industry from on the sector, to give carmakers time to adjust their supply chains.

Nvidia Is About to Shock the World: July 23rd - Ad

Jeff Brown, the tech legend who picked shares of Nvidia in 2016 before they jumped by more than 22,000%, is warning everyone to... Mark this date on your calendar: July 23rd! That's when Nvidia could help send shares of this Elon Musk supplier skyrocketing higher.

Ex-Cellmate Says Epstein Was Offered Plea Deal for Information on Trump: 'Give Them Something on Trump To Get Him Impeached'

Jeffrey Epstein was allegedly offered a plea deal by federal prosecutors. The deal was contingent on Epstein providing information on President Trump, as claimed by Epstein's former cellmate.

No.1 Opportunity for 2025 [Take Action Now!] - Ad

Starlink's potential IPO Could Be the Biggest in History--Silicon Valley insider James Altucher has uncovered a way to profit BEFORE the IPO--with as little as $50. Musk's $180B giant is set to launch--will you miss out? Claim your spot before it's too late.

This Beverage Maker, Tobacco Company And Packaged Food Giant Outshine In A Recession

Consumer Staples stocks like McCormick (NYSE: MKC) and General Mills (NYSE: GIS) have historically outperformed the S&P 500 during recessions. BofA Securities analysts say earnings per share, not sales growth, drive stock performance. Limited tariff exposure could also boost sector appeal.

California will sue to stop Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that his state will file a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's authority to impose sweeping tariffs that have set off a .

You Can Take a Stake in Elon's xAI Before May 1st... - Ad

Elon Musk's private AI firm xAI may have just leapfrogged ChatGPT and Google's Gemini--building what experts call the future of AI. For the first time, you can take a stake starting at $500.

Digital Gold or Fool's Gold? The Real Value Behind Bitcoin in 2025

Bitcoin is a hedge not a hero. It offers a compelling investment case, not as a replacement for gold, but as a complement.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright trendadvisor.net
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service