A new Consumer Trends Tracker by dunnhumby shows more U.S. households are changing where they shop due to budget constraints. Mass-market retailers and dollar stores are gaining popularity over traditional supermarkets. Walmart’s customer penetration hit 72%, a first since the tracker began nearly four years ago.

Dollar stores have seen a rise in penetration to 42%, surpassing club stores. Consumers are feeling financially stretched, with more households struggling to cover expenses and cutting meal sizes. Perception of food-at-home inflation is higher than reality, leading to increased use of deals and coupons for shopping.

Mark Zandi warns of a serious affordability crisis in the U.S. economy, citing high consumer prices from tariffs and immigration measures. Holiday spending reached a historic $1 trillion in December, driven by inflation and tariff-induced price increases. Affluent households spend more, while lower-income shoppers rely on credit cards and Buy Now, Pay Later options.

Affluent households continue to spend strongly, while lower-income shoppers exercise caution. Image via Shutterstock.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Walmart, Dollar Stores Beat Traditional Grocers’ Reach As Affordability Crunch Intensifies, Report Finds