NEW YORK — U.S. consumers have continued purchasing goods since a conflict involving Iran increased fuel prices; however, many shoppers are altering purchasing habits and changing retail locations. Shopper behavior changes include modified gasoline purchasing routines and decreased visits to clothing and furniture retailers.
Placer.ai data tracked increased visits to BJ's, Costco, and Sam's Club gas stations starting in early March. Walmart Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey said, "Many drivers are not filling their tanks up." Rainey said, "For the first time since 2022, Walmart customers and Sam's Club members are buying an average of less than 10 gallons per trip." He added, "That's an indication of stress." Costco Chief Financial Officer Gary Millerchip said, "Costco members are visiting store gas stations more frequently to top up in between what would have normally been a gap between getting the tank to empty because of the concern about what might the gas price be tomorrow."
Pump transactions at 130 convenience store companies decreased by approximately 10% in March and April compared to the same months in the previous year. In-store sales at these companies also decreased by 10.4% in March and April compared to the previous year. U.S. retailers sold 6% fewer non-grocery products between April 25 and May 23 compared to the same four-week period in 2025. Sales of housewares, clothing, footwear, and sports equipment declined between 5% and 7% during this period. Placer.ai data recorded four consecutive weeks of reduced foot traffic at clothing, electronics, and home furnishing stores by early May.
The U.S. Commerce Department reported that higher prices accounted for the majority of growth in American consumer spending in April. A key inflation gauge reached its highest level since October 2023 in April. McDonald's Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski said, "The price of gas won't help bring customers with household incomes of $45,000 or less back to U.S. fast-food restaurants."
Customer traffic at U.S. restaurants in April matched levels from the same month of the previous year. U.S. restaurant spending increased by 2.6% in April, primarily due to higher menu prices. Revenue Management Solutions analyzed 14.6 billion restaurant transactions over four years and found that restaurant visits decrease as gasoline prices rise. Placer.ai data recorded increased visits to grocery and discount retail stores during the same four-week period. Income tax refunds have supported retail sales volume.