Sales of non-essential products in the United States have fallen significantly in recent years, a trend that is expected to continue in 2024. Among the most affected items are barbecue grills, which experienced a boom during the COVID-19 pandemic and are now experiencing a decline in sales, according to international media reports. According to Money, these are the things Americans need to stop buying:
During the first months of the pandemic, grill sales increased significantly, with more people spending time at home and gaining additional income due to economic stimulus and savings on expenses such as transportation and restaurants. A report from Money explains Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association It was revealed that by the end of 2021 80% Homeowners in the United States own a grill or smoker, and 38% of them had purchased a new one since the start of the pandemic. However, given the durability of these products, which can exceed five years, today’s consumers are unlikely to need to replace them.
In addition, increasing urbanization has led to more people living in apartments or smaller urban spaces, where access to outdoor grills is limited or restricted. This change has reduced grilling opportunities. Additionally, fast-paced lifestyles and long work hours leave less free time for activities like outdoor grilling.
The rise of healthy, vegetarian, and vegan diets has decreased the popularity of traditional barbecues, which tend to focus on red meat. Similarly, food delivery services and meal kits have decreased interest in home cooking, including grilling.
In parallel, in-ground pools have also seen a drop in demand. According to Axion, almost 60,000 swimming pools residential in 2024, with about half of them installed in 2021. Higher loan costs and tighter family budgets drive this shortage. Pool Corp, one of the largest pool supply distributors, has seen its stock price drop 25% so far in 2024 and 35% over the past three years.
The growth of urbanization has led to more people living in apartments or homes with limited outdoor spaces. A study by the Urban Land Institute found that 80% of new residential construction in major US cities are apartments or condominium units (Urban Land Institute, 2021). These structural changes limit the possibility of installing a private pool, directing consumers towards other types of recreation.
On the other hand, Mani says that Motorhomes Its sales are also seeing a decline after reaching a peak during the pandemic. Their shipment recreational vehicles up from 406,000 in 2019 430,000 in 2020, according to statistics, more than 600,000 in 2021 Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. However, they fell in 2023 313,000, The lowest figure in more than a decade. “A first-time buyer is probably more affected by inflation,” An executive at an RV dealership in Texas told RV Business
At the same time, a report by the Pew Research Center suggests that new generations prefer more accessible and urban experiences and trips rather than the traditional nomadic lifestyle associated with motorhomes (Pew Research Center, 2021). Urbanization and the rise of remote work have changed travel and recreation preferences.
Consultant’s Report McKinsey Note that due to the increase in prices of essential products such as food and gasoline, consumers are reducing their spending on non-essential items. One of the most affected sectors is International Tourism and stays at hotels and cruises.
There is another important matter Peloton, Sales, which skyrocketed during the pandemic, have fallen 34% over the past two years. The company’s stock has fallen to less than $4 per share, compared to a peak of more than $160 in early 2021.
Similarly, the sale of Plant-based meat I have refused. Money makes me realize this Good Food Institute Consumer spending on plant-based meat and seafood fell 13% in a recent two-year period, with 26% fewer unit sales. The products fail to meet expectations in terms of taste, texture and price, the report said.
Mattresses are also not untouched by this trend. International Sleep Products Association Indicates that sales of mattresses and bases have declined 15% Between 2021 and 2022, further decline will continue. A survey has shown that 57% respondents said they would feel better if they slept more, which is an increase compared to 43% from a decade ago. Buyer behavior over the past few years shows that many people upgraded their mattresses at the start of the pandemic, reducing the need for new purchases currently.
In general, it appears that more products are suffering the consequences of changes in consumer behavior following the pandemic. The spectrum ranges from grills and pools to motorhomes and mattresses, all reflecting how economic volatility and the prioritization of essential needs are redefining the market for non-essential goods in the United States.
The declining trend in sales of non-essential products in the United States is a clear indication of a change in consumer behavior after the pandemic. However, many of these products saw a significant increase during the pandemic demand, The current economic reality is redefining consumer preferences.
The durability of grills and the decline in demand for swimming pools, motorhomes and mattresses underscore a reorientation toward spending on basic necessities and savings. As the prices of essential products such as food and gasoline continue to rise, the average consumer is forced to make adjustments to their budget, cutting back on spending on non-essential items.
This change reflects greater prudence and adaptation in the face of economic uncertainty, a phenomenon that will likely continue to influence consumer trends for years to come.