Group 1: Generation Z and Retail Influence - Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is currently aged 13 to 28 and is starting to influence the economy as they begin their careers and earn money [1] - Gen Z is characterized as digitally native, socially conscious, and valuing authenticity, which impacts their shopping preferences and brand loyalty [2] Group 2: Big Box Stores Performance - Walmart (WMT) has shown strong historical performance, with a year-to-date return of 17.45%, outperforming the S&P 500's 12.26% [2] - Walmart's returns over different time frames are impressive: 1-year (20.32% vs. 11.00%), 3-year (117.20% vs. 67.17%), and 5-year (15.45% vs. 85.61%) [2] - Analysts favor Walmart, with 40 out of 42 rating it a buy or strong buy [3] Group 3: Target's Decline - Target Corporation (TGT) has faced a significant decline, with a year-to-date stock drop of 35.18% following the rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs [4] - Target's performance over various periods is negative: 1-year (-24.76%), 3-year (-38.46%), and 5-year (-41.58%) [4] - Analysts generally recommend holding Target, with 22 out of 37 suggesting this, while only seven rated it a buy [5] Group 4: E-Commerce Trends Among Gen Z - Gen Z is increasingly shopping online, with a report indicating that in 2024, 37% of online shoppers made purchases through Facebook, 28% through Instagram, and 18% through TikTok [6] - Smaller companies benefit from the exposure provided by social media platforms, although direct investment in these companies may not be possible [7] Group 5: Meta Platforms Performance - Meta Platforms, Inc. (META), which includes Instagram and Facebook, is part of the "Magnificent 7" technology stocks [8] - While Meta has had positive short-term performance, it has not kept pace with the S&P 500 year-to-date (1.73%) or over the past year (5.87%) [8] - However, Meta's long-term returns are strong, with 3-year (444.25%) and 5-year (121.7%) performance being exemplary [8]