Shoppers look to cut back on spending
UC economist tells WCPO that consumers have tapped into savings for purchases
Shoppers are looking to decrease their spending following a purchasing boom in recent years, WCPO reported.
Michael Jones, PhD, assistant professor of economics
August tends to be one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year as families buy back-to-school items and Labor Day sales begin. But retailers such as Home Depot and McDonald’s have reported slowdowns in their business, potentially signaling that consumers are cutting back on non-essential purchases.
Michael Jones, PhD, assistant professor of economics in the University of Cincinnati's Carl H. Lindner College of Business, said inflation has reduced the amount of money that individuals have to spend.
“Consumer spending is actually outpacing income,” Jones said. “So where does that increased spending come from? It has to come from savings.”
Featured image at top: A man shops for snacks. Photo/Dollar Gill via Unsplash
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Ohio nurses weigh in on proposed federal loan rule
December 12, 2025
Spectrum News journalist Javari Burnett spoke with UC Dean Alicia Ribar and UC nursing students Megan Romero and Nevaeh Haskins about proposed new federal student loan rules. Romero and Haskins, both seniors, were filmed in the College of Nursing’s Simulation Lab.
Bearcat Mascot, Cheer Team and scholarships help celebrate Decision Day
December 12, 2025
Cincinnati media organization provided news coverage of Decision Day activities at the University of Cincinnati on Dec. 10, 2025. Surprise announcements of the 2026 Marian Spencer Scholarship recipient occurred during the day.
UC awarded nearly $1 million to help fight infant obesity spike
December 12, 2025
University of Cincinnati researcher Cathy Stough spoke with Spectrum News1 about a nearly $1 million National Institutes of Health grant awarded to UC to help prevent infant obesity through early nutrition support and family-based interventions.