Business & Economy
Keep up with data-based stories exploring consumer spending trends, real estate development and other economic indicators.
Best Cities for Families: Southern Cities Top the List for Raising Kids in 2026
American families are at a crossroads. Over the past decade, the share of households with children has declined by 3% nationally, according to the U.S. Census — a trend that reflects not just delayed marriages and economic pressures, but a fundamental shift in how families think about where and how to live.
America’s Apartment Boom Is Fueling A Self Storage Surge, With Texan Cities on Top
The U.S. multifamily market has been on a development spree for much of the past four decades, driving inventory up to nearly 18 million apartment units in large-scale communities of 50 or more units.
Self Storage Development Boom Cools, But Prices Still Rise In 39% Of Major U.S. Cities
The U.S. self storage industry is adjusting to a new market reality following an unprecedented boom during the pandemic. A mix of elevated supply levels, softening consumer demand in certain areas and some economic alarm bells has generated a rebalancing of the sector.
Halloween Brings Treats, Not Tricks, For The Self Storage Industry: Post-Holiday Demand On The Rise
Halloween is spreading more than just spooky cheer each year, with cash registers ringing across both retail and hospitality. While the pandemic may have paused the frenzy, the past two years have seen consumer engagement spike, with retailers jumping on the trend head-on. Home Depot, for instance, began promoting spooky items as early as April this year. Halloween spending in 2024 is expected to reach $11.6 billion—a slight dip from last year’s record $12.2 billion but still one of the highest totals in nearly 20 years.
Top Cities For Real Estate Development: Sunbelt Cities Dominate Growth Olympics For Nearly Half A Century
If there’s one constant across the U.S. over the past 50 years, it’s the cranes dominating our cities’ skylines. The real estate construction engine has been running at full speed, transforming our urban landscapes to meet modern lifestyle and economic needs.
US Discretionary Spending Up: Colorado And Utah Top All Other States In Financial Well-Being
Contrary to cautionary tales involving high inflation and economic headwinds, spending is picking up steam across the U.S. Beyond our traditional love of retail therapy, the pandemic and subsequent prioritization of present satisfaction have strongly influenced people’s attitudes toward buying. The so-called YOLO spending behavior — which stands for “You Only Live Once” — is increasingly popular among consumers, particularly well-off, younger crowds.
Best US Shopping Hot Spots: Miami, Atlanta And St. Louis Top The List For Retail Therapy Destinations
Ever experienced that exhilarating surge of endorphins after purchasing something you truly love? You’re not alone. Often at the crossroads between being considered therapy or necessity, shopping remains a favorite pastime for millions of Americans who turn to shopping to relieve stress and uplift their spirits.
Southern U.S. Leads Real Estate Development Of The Decade, With Five Texan Cities Topping The Charts
The U.S. real estate landscape has undergone a significant makeover during the past decade, with virtually all sectors experiencing massive expansions. Residential construction is thriving, with momentum increasing in the last few years, despite pandemic-induced headwinds and the subsequent inflation and supply chain issues. Commercial real estate development, which saw billions of square feet of new space coming online, is also readjusting to meet current demands. The industrial and the self storage realms in particular have experienced positive evolution over the past 10 years.
Top 10 Largest Car Manufacturers In The US
Americans have always been passionate about cars, and we do have a long tradition when it comes to manufacturing vehicles — after all, it is here that the mass production of automobiles really started. The passion for cars in the U.S. translates into high volumes of car sales and the vast majority of Americans having access to a car. In fact, almost two-thirds of American households have two or more cars, with multiple car ownership being one of the reasons why demand for vehicle storage is strong here. There are now almost 3,500 facilities that provide vehicle storage across the U.S.
