Consumer Products Market Intelligence
Consumers triaged spending as price, not volume, drove growth and sentiment stayed deep in recessionary territory
Consumer spending held up in Q2 2026, but the composition shifted. Households prioritized groceries, entertainment, and pet care while pulling back on apparel, electronics, and dining out, even as price increases did more of the work than actual demand. Consumer sentiment stayed pinned near recession-era lows despite retail sales reaching a 12-month high, a disconnect that kept retailers cautious. This report examines what these shifting spending patterns mean for valuations and deal activity across consumer markets.
Q2 2026 Report
What's Inside
- How households are triaging spending across categories rather than pulling back broadly
- What the gap between consumer sentiment and hard spending data means for retailer guidance
- How consumer staples and discretionary stocks diverged in performance this quarter
- Where margin pressure is easing and where it's holding firm
- How buyer selectivity is playing out across consumer goods, retail, hospitality, and food and beverage
- Which deal types are still finding traction in a slower dealmaking environment
- How ongoing freight and supply chain disruption is affecting inventory planning
- What current macro indicators signal for consumer demand in the second half of the year
Download the Report
Q2 2026 Consumer Products Quarterly Update
By downloading you’ll also receive future quarterly Consumer Products reports and relevant market insights from Houlihan Capital. Unsubscribe anytime.
Our Experience
Consumer Products Expertise
Houlihan Capital has provided specialized valuation and investment banking services to consumer businesses for over 25 years. Our team understands the unique challenges facing consumer goods companies, retailers, and hospitality businesses, from supply chain complexity to changing consumer preferences and competitive pressures.
Consumer Services:
Business Valuations | Fairness Opinions | Transaction Advisory | Strategic Planning Support | Consumer M&A Analysis
Questions? Contact our consumer specialists at info@houlihancapital.com or 312.450.8600
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
More from Houlihan Capital
Explore Related Quarterly Reports
Cannabis | Q1 2026
Regulatory developments, wholesale pricing trends, and M&A consolidation across state markets
Micro Middle Market | Q1 2026
Valuation trends, deal volume, and capital markets activity across the micro middle market
Transportation & Logistics | Q1 2026
Capacity constraints, freight rates, and financing trends across transportation and logistics
