Spotting the year’s retail trends
Leopard prints, Keto diets are hot.
What do Keto, ax throwing and hard seltzer have in common?
They were some of the experiences, diets and products that saw the biggest uptick in dollars spent this year, according to Square, the payment systems company that handles millions of transactions.
Other highlights were leopard print, which remains a perennial favorite, as well as “dad sneakers.’’
Booming sales in 2019 bode well for continued popularity in the new year.
“We combed through hundreds of millions of transactions across every Square retailer, in all corners of the U.S., to uncover what people are purchasing like never before,’’ says Sara Vera, Square’s trend analyst. “We believe these trends will continue to become more mainstream in 2020.’’
Here were some of the favorites this year.
Keto
The diet that says yes to fat and no to carbs surged with a 261% spike in sales. Purchases may have gotten a boost from the high price of certain dishes, such as a bowl of keto spaghetti squash with meat sauce that typically costs a little more than $10.
Ax throwing
The sport that involves aiming a hatchet at a target has long been popular across the border, in Canada, but it has becoming a go-to activity in the U.S. as well, with sales surging 317% this year. With an average cost of $34.12, Square predicts that it will become even more popular in 2020.
Hard seltzer
Plenty of customers were ordering hard seltzer in a medley of flavors for the average price of $6.50 a pop. After experiencing a 500% spike in sales, it’s likely to remain a staple in bars and cafes.
Dad sneakers
The thick-soled footwear dubbed dad sneakers aren’t just for the people in your life who don’t pay attention to fashion. Thanks to celebrity influencers such as Bella Hadid, sales rose 135% in 2019.
Leopard
Whether it’s splashed on boots, skirts or leggings, the spotted print remains a perennial favorite, with sales soaring 160% in 2019.