Valhalla or Brokehalla? Consumer Spending Faces Ragnarok!

Odin's Raven Whispers of Doubt

Hark! Ragnar Lothbrok here returned from raiding the digital shores of Midgard. I've heard whispers carried on the wind darker than a Jotunn's beard. Consumer spending they say is wobbling like a drunkard after a feast. Even the Seer would squint at these omens! Apparently these modern day Vikings they call them "Americans," are starting to tighten their belts. Not a good sign eh? As I always say "The gods favor those who help themselves," but what if there's nothing left to take?

Walmart's Longships Face Tariff Storms

Even the mighty Walmart a trading post grander than Hedeby itself cries foul! They blame these "tariffs," taxes on goods from foreign lands. Like demanding tribute from the English monks but… from everyone? They say prices will rise. A wise move but it might make even the most eager shopper pause. After all even a Viking thinks twice before paying ten silver coins for a loaf of bread!

The Greybeards are Spending Like There's No Ragnarok

But hold! Not all is doom and gloom. The old ones the "fifty five and better," as they call them – the veterans of life's battles they're still splashing their gold around like it's ale at a victory celebration! They’ve seen plagues and taxes and the end of times. They learned their lessons and are ready to feast. Homes upgrades fancy community halls… they want it all and they want it now! "Life is bigger than death," they say and they’re spending like they mean it!

Carvana's Chariots Feel the Tariff Wind

These metal chariots the "cars," they tell me there was a rush to buy them all because of these blasted tariffs. People feared the price of these metal beasts would rise. They also say that used car prices are coming down. It all sounds a bit like a shield wall collapsing doesn't it? Chaos followed by… well more chaos probably. Still the Carvana chieftain Ernie Garcia claims he sees no weakness among the people! Perhaps he’s just a shrewd negotiator like Floki when haggling for boat timbers.

Pinterest: The New Soothsaying Rune?

Ah Pinterest a place where people go to plan their life and spend their money. They tell me that the young ones the Gen Z are searching for "budget" goods. They’re feeling the pinch more than most and they’re starting to cut corners. "Consumers are becoming more thoughtful," says Bill Ready the Pinterest chieftain. More thoughtful? Perhaps they're finally learning the value of a hard earned silver coin. Time will tell if this mindfulness is by design or just because they’re running out of bread.

Travel and Sport the New Valhalla?

Then there are the travelers and the sports fanatics. The NFL and Marriott claim they are doing just fine. People still want to see their favorite sports and travel all across the world and see new places. Perhaps these things make people forget the worries of the world. Or perhaps people are just so bored that they'll do anything to get a little entertainment. But as Marriott chieftain Anthony Capuano said “Our business thrives in times of stability and high consumer confidence.” I think we're going to have to wait and see about this one.