This is just a tiny glimpse of the data available to CivicScience clients. Discover more data.
1. Americans are cutting back on vision-related purchases amid uncertainty, with nearly a third postponing going to the optometrist.
With economic pressures still top of mind for many Americans, consumers continue to pull back on non-essential spending. But what about those products that feel essential to daily life, even if they come with luxury-level price tags? Eyewear, especially designer frames, falls into that in-between category where practicality meets personal style, and it’s an area where many are choosing to cut back.
The most common way Americans reduce vision-related costs is by postponing trips to the optometrist: 32% say they’ve skipped the eye doctor in the past year. Another 28% report looking for deals or discounts when making purchases.
Gender differences are also notable. Men are more likely to buy directly from suppliers or reuse old frames. Meanwhile, women are far more likely to say they’ve opted for glasses more often than contacts to save on cost.
Answer our Poll: Which do you wear more often on a day-to-day basis: glasses or contacts? 👓
2. Sports memorabilia interest reaches a year high, but gear preferences are shifting.
With both the NBA and NHL playoffs now complete, fan engagement is extending to a strong interest in sports merchandise. Data show that 45% of U.S. adults plan to shop for team-branded products over the next three months, reaching a high since CivicScience tracking began in 2023.
That said, buying habits are evolving. T-shirts, hoodies, and hats remain the most popular picks, but fewer people plan to buy them than this time last year. Meanwhile, interest is rising in indoor and outdoor accessories, suggesting that changes in consumer tastes are toward more functional or lifestyle-oriented gear.
Weigh-In: Do you own any sports jerseys?
3. Americans are twice as likely to shop for Halloween in July or earlier, compared to last year.
As retailers embrace “Summerween” and put their Halloween merchandise out as early as June, new CivicScience data show consumers are starting earlier than last year. This year, Halloween shoppers are twice as likely as in 2024 to say they’re doing their shopping before July and 9pp more likely to start in August or earlier.
While cost plays a role in early holiday shopping, consumers are mainly getting a head start for fun. Gen Z adults are most likely shopping early for fun, whereas older generations are more likely than average to shop early to find the best deals.
Use this Data: CivicScience clients have access to real-time insights like these, allowing them to keep a pulse on how the state of the economy is influencing shifting consumer behaviors.
