Gen Z Drives Retail Comeback, Buying 62% of Merchandise in Stores

2 articles · Updated · ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix · May 15

Circana data shows shoppers aged 18 to 24 made 62% of their merchandise purchases in physical stores last year, underscoring a sharp in-person retail rebound.
Shoppers and analysts say the pull is experiential: Gen Z wants social outings, a break from screen-heavy routines, and the chance to see colors, materials and fit before buying.
Scottsdale Quarter says that demand is translating into steady foot traffic and longer visits, with younger shoppers helping lift apparel traffic and other immersive retail activity.
In-store-only promotions are also helping, as retailers offer discounts not always available online and shoppers cite clearance racks and thrift stores as added value.
Bankrate says malls that want to capture more of that spending need to act like destinations—pairing shopping with dining, movies and other experiences that online rivals cannot match.

With Gen Z's low brand loyalty, are costly mall experiences a sustainable long-term investment for retailers?

Is Gen Z's return to malls a true desire for community or just a hunt for new social media content?