A tale of two Ralphs — Lauren and the supermarket — shows the reality of a K-shaped economy

Los Angeles TimesMonday, December 22, 2025 at 11:00:00 AM
A tale of two Ralphs — Lauren and the supermarket — shows the reality of a K-shaped economy
  • This holiday season, experts are highlighting a K-shaped economy, where the disparity between high and low earners is increasingly pronounced, exemplified by contrasting consumer behaviors associated with luxury brands like Ralph Lauren and everyday supermarkets.
  • The K-shaped model illustrates how different segments of the economy are recovering unevenly, impacting spending patterns and consumer confidence, particularly during critical shopping periods like the holidays.
  • Amid economic uncertainties, including rising costs and tariffs, consumers are expected to spend less, reflecting a broader trend of cautious spending that underscores the challenges faced by many households in the current economic climate.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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