"The guest argued that flat personal income growth and persistent cumulative inflation are forcing consumers to trade down to discount retailers."

"The bull case for discount retailers is strengthened as high inflation and a depleted personal savings rate force consumers to trade down."

"Dollar stores are partnering with delivery platforms to reach new urban and suburban customers while gaining valuable consumer data, despite high delivery fees relative to low-priced goods."

"The speakers argued that the headline BLS establishment survey strength is an outlier contradicted by a deteriorating household survey, falling small business hiring plans, and a consumer squeezed by high energy costs."