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El Paso Consumers Shift Towards Discount Shopping Amid Economic Strain

KVIA•Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 9:19 AM•Stacker

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AI Summary

As economic pressures mount, El Paso households are increasingly prioritizing discount shopping and exclusive retail deals. Recent data shows a slight rise in disposable personal income, but it remains insufficient to keep up with rising costs, leading to a decrease in personal savings. In November 2025, consumer spending surged by $108.7 billion, with healthcare leading the increase. This trend reflects a broader national movement where 73% of consumers opted for discounts during the holiday season, indicating a shift in spending habits that could impact local retailers. Residents should be aware of these trends as they navigate their own financial decisions.

Key Details: • Disposable personal income rose by only 0.1% in October 2025. • Personal saving rate decreased to 3.5% in November 2025. • Consumer spending increased by $108.7 billion in November, with healthcare accounting for $25.6 billion. • 73% of consumers made holiday purchases through discount retail outlets in 2025. • Retail sales in November are expected to exceed $1 trillion nationally, up 4.2% year-on-year.

el-paso retail consumer-spending economic-trends discount-shopping

People & Organizations

El PasoNational Retail FederationThe Barcode GroupBureau of Economic Analysis

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