Summary of US Consumer Pulse Survey: Consumer Showing Signs of Weakening Industry Overview - **Industry**: U.S. Consumer Market - **Survey Period**: October 30th - November 3rd, 2025 - **Sample Size**: ~2,000 consumers Key Findings Consumer Confidence - **Decline in Confidence**: Consumer confidence in the economy and household finances has weakened, with only 33% expecting improvement in the economy over the next six months, down from 36% last month and 44% in January [6][8][56] - **Negative Outlook**: 49% of consumers expect the economy to worsen, leading to a NET score of -16%, a decline from -10% last wave and +8% in January [6][8][56] Spending Intentions - **Short-term Spending Outlook**: 31% of consumers plan to spend more next month, while 18% expect to spend less, resulting in a NET of +13%, down from +17% last month and +21% a year ago [6][13][74] - **Long-term Spending Decline**: Longer-term spending outlook has also decreased, with consumers prioritizing essentials like groceries and household supplies [14][82] Inflation and Political Concerns - **Top Concerns**: Inflation remains the primary concern for 57% of consumers, while political environment concerns have risen to 45%, likely due to the government shutdown [7][30][27] - **Debt Repayment Worries**: 21% of consumers are concerned about their ability to repay debts, and 23% worry about paying rent/mortgage, consistent with previous survey results [7][31] Category-Specific Spending Trends - **Negative Spending Intentions**: Categories such as apparel, toys, leisure/entertainment, and consumer electronics show the most negative net spending intentions, with apparel at NET -18% and toys at NET -19% [15][83] - **Cautious Spending Behavior**: 39% of consumers plan to cut back on spending due to economic conditions, with food away from home being the top category for cutbacks [45][51] Holiday Spending Outlook - **Softer Holiday Season**: 38% of consumers plan to maintain their holiday budgets, while 30% expect to spend more and 23% less, yielding a NET of +6%, down from +14% last year [86][90] - **Price Sensitivity**: Higher prices are cited as the main reason for reduced holiday spending, affecting both those planning to spend more and those cutting back [91][93] Use of Technology in Shopping - **AI Tools Utilization**: About 45% of holiday shoppers are using AI tools for shopping assistance, with younger consumers showing higher engagement [108] Additional Insights - **Political Sentiment**: Significant differences in sentiment are observed based on political affiliation, with liberals showing lower confidence compared to conservatives [65] - **Income Disparities**: Low-income consumers express greater concern over debt repayment and rent, while upper-income consumers are more focused on investment concerns [35][37] This survey indicates a cautious consumer sentiment in the U.S. market, with significant implications for spending behavior and economic outlook.

Group 1: Agentic Commerce Development - Agentic commerce involves consumers utilizing AI models to shop on their behalf, with technology companies like OpenAI investing heavily in this area [1][4] - OpenAI has introduced a feature allowing ChatGPT users to purchase products directly from specific merchants, with partnerships including Etsy, Walmart, and Shopify merchants [4] - Amazon has been developing its own agentic commerce features, such as the "Buy For Me" function, while also exploring partnerships with third-party providers [5][6][7] Group 2: Supply Chain and Customs Enforcement - Exiger has secured a multi-million-dollar contract with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to combat illegal transshipment practices that bypass U.S. trade laws [2][3] - Exiger's AI models will assist CBP in enforcing tariff orders, improving data for decision-making, and tracking transshipments, thereby enhancing the efficiency of customs operations [2] - The technology aims to provide CBP agents with additional resources for scanning shipments, addressing the significant volume of goods entering the U.S. annually [2] Group 3: Warehouse Management Innovations - Blue Yonder has enhanced its Warehouse Management System (WMS) by integrating new AI capabilities, including a Warehouse Ops Agent that provides real-time updates [8][9] - The new tools, such as Resource Orchestration and Resource Forecasting, help warehouse operators allocate resources effectively based on task priorities and conditions [10][11] - These advancements aim to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness in warehouses, addressing challenges posed by disconnected systems and reactive processes [12][13]