Prime Day was supposed to kick off holiday shopping, but was more about stocking up on essentials

Amazon's Prime Day, which was intended to kickstart the holiday shopping season, was largely focused on consumers stocking up on essential items rather than purchasing gifts. According to data, only 23% of Prime Day shoppers bought any gifts during the event, indicating that the economic uncertainty is causing consumers to prioritize necessities over discretionary spending. The article suggests that the Prime Day event, which is usually associated with holiday shopping deals, has shifted towards meeting the demand for everyday essentials as consumers tighten their budgets. This shift in consumer behavior highlights the impact of the current economic climate on shopping patterns, with people more inclined to stock up on basic necessities rather than indulging in holiday gift-buying. The article provides a concise overview of the Prime Day event's shifting focus and its implications for the upcoming holiday shopping season, which may be shaped by consumers' cautious approach to spending in the face of economic uncertainty.