Consumer Products Market Intelligence

Q2 2026 Industry Report

Resilient spending and deepening consumer caution reveal a widening disconnect across retail markets

Consumer businesses navigated a widening disconnect in Q2 2026 as spending held up on the surface while its underlying composition shifted, and household sentiment remained far more cautious than hard data suggested. Deal activity slowed further as buyers stayed selective. This report covers how these dynamics are shaping valuations and transaction activity across consumer markets.

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What's Inside the Q2 2026 Consumer Industry Report

Market Trends & Consumer Behavior

  • How household spending patterns shifted between essential and discretionary categories in Q2
  • What’s behind the widening gap between consumer sentiment and actual spending data

Financial Performance & Valuation Insights

  • How consumer discretionary and staples sector performance diverged this quarter
  • Which sub-industries are showing the strongest and weakest margin trends

M&A Activity & Transactions

  • Why deal volume fell to a two-year low and what’s driving continued buyer caution
  • Notable transactions across consumer goods, retail, and hospitality this quarter

Economic & External Drivers

  • How ongoing supply chain disruptions are continuing to affect input costs and inventory planning
  • What the latest macro indicators signal for consumer demand heading into the second half of 2026

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About Houlihan Capital's Consumer 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 industry specialists at info@houlihancapital.com or 312.450.8600

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.