1851

Consumer sentiment in the United States continued its upward trend this month, reaching its highest level since April, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://news.umich.edu/consumer-outlook-on-the-rise-despite-worries-with-policy-shifts-under-new-presidency/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=consumer-sentiment-hits-8-month-high-what-it-means-for-franchises-2728187" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">University of Michigan's latest survey</a>. The Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 74.0, up from 71.8 in November, marking the fifth consecutive month of improvement.The increase in consumer confidence is attributed to several factors, including a perceived improvement in the economy and a slowdown in inflation. As inflation slows, consumers are feeling better about the economy, but they “still do not feel that they are thriving,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-hsu-12924941/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=consumer-sentiment-hits-8-month-high-what-it-means-for-franchises-2728187" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Joanne Hsu</a>, director of the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers said in the announcement.One of the most notable improvements was seen in buying conditions, which reached its highest reading in nearly three decades. This surge was primarily driven by consumers expecting future price increases for large purchases. The Current Economic Conditions index saw a substantial rise to 75.1 in December, up from 63.9 in November, representing a 17.5% month-over-month increase.However, the Index of Consumer Expectations showed a slight decline, dropping to 73.3 in December from 76.9 in November, demonstrating that, while consumers feel more positive about current conditions, they remain cautious about the future.For businesses, particularly retailers and franchises, this uptick in consumer sentiment could signal potential opportunities. When consumer confidence increases, people are generally more willing to spend on discretionary items and make larger purchases. This could lead to increased sales for businesses across various sectors.Retail and service franchises will likely benefit most from the improved outlook. The Conference Board predicts that for the remainder of the year, consumers will continue to spend, albeit with a bit more self-control than in previous years. There may be opportunities for increased sales, but businesses should still approach their strategies with caution.While the rise in consumer sentiment presents opportunities for businesses and franchises, a balanced approach is advisable. Companies should be prepared to capitalize on increased consumer willingness to spend while also remaining adaptable to potential economic changes and ongoing consumer concerns about inflation and future economic conditions.Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=consumer-sentiment-hits-8-month-high-what-it-means-for-franchises-2728187" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Consumer Sentiment Hits 8-Month High: What It Means for Franchises

Consumer Sentiment Rises: Impact on Franchises | 1851 Franchise

1851 Franchise

Franchises are poised for new opportunities as consumer sentiment grows stronger, but businesses should remain cautious amid ongoing economic uncertainties.

consumer-sentiment-hits-8-month-high-what-it-means-for-franchises

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Featured in USA Today as Key Player in Helping Seniors Age Safely at Home

trublue-featured-in-usa-today-as-key-player-in-helping-seniors-age-safely-at-home

Right at Home

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth, Tech Advancements, and Strong System Engagement in First Half of 2025

right-at-home-franchise-growth-2025

KidStrong Franchising, LLC

Unlocking Superpowers: How KidStrong Is Building the Next Generation of Confident Kids — and Thriving Franchise Owners

kidstrong-franchise-confident-kids

Image of a kid growing up, developing with kidstrong, high fiving and smiling. 

How KidStrong has Become the Franchise Disrupting Child Development by Partnering with Purpose-Driven Franchise Owners 

kidstrong-franchise-opportunity-child-development

Picture of kids for franchise business Kidstrong which focuses on child development and fitness

KidStrong Is Pediatrician-Recommended for Raising Confident, Capable Kids and Families Can't Get Enough

kidstrong-child-development-program

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photos of Danielle Rosemond & Usman Khan & TruBlue logo

Family Members of Local Physicians Bring TruBlue Franchise to North Central Nassau, Long Island: A Health Care-Inspired Approach to Aging in Place

family-brings-trublue-franchise-to-north-central-nassau

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

Consumer Sentiment Hits 8-Month High: What It Means for Franchises

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS