What if an entire generation one day decided to stop shopping for goods that were once part of the American consumer culture? Baby Boomers, however, have changed their shopping habits significantly over the last decade. One-quarter of consumers said they would spend less on traditional retail categories in 2025.
A recent S&P Global Survey states that 43% of adults aged 55 and older make more restaurant visits this year compared to a lower percentage among young adults (18–34). For the most part, Boomers now value experiences over possessions, with many saying they would rather spend on travel and healthcare than material items.
The market may currently be undergoing a fresh urbanism shift, as a change in demographics has left several industries struggling to keep up with their steadiest consumers as they exit the market for goods they can no longer live without.
Here are the top 10 products that have seen significant declines in popularity among Boomers.
Cable Television Subscriptions
Cable Television Subscriptions are among the first categories marked by a pronounced shift. Nielsen’s U.S. Gauge reports demonstrate steep losses in traditional broadcast and cable viewing. Year-over-year, dropping below 20 %
And already, the shift away from conventional TV (broadcast and cable) was steepening, and by May 2025, traditional TV had shrunk to only 44.2% of total viewing. Streaming services offer better value and convenience, and Boomers have caught on to them.
Department Store Clothing
While Prose Media/Capital One Shopping states that 54% of Boomers are the only age group still preferring in-store shopping over online, a larger percentage of the budget spent on clothing was allocated by millennials aged 26 to 41, accounting for 3.2% of their budget.
This Boomer preference for shopping in person underscores their demand for a tangible and instant retail experience. On the other hand, Millennials are still spending on apparel as they transition toward tangible products that showcase their personal style and savvy consumption behavior.
New Automobiles
According to CarZing, a generational breakdown shows that after their share of new vehicle registrations dipped from 32.4% in 2019 to just 26.3% in the current year, Boomers ticked back up slightly in 2023 to just below 28%, which is part of a general decline.
The soaring prices of new cars — which average around $48,000 — have prompted many Baby Boomers to consider certified used vehicles or opt for their existing ones. The change speaks to the pragmatism of fixed-income retirees, who value stability over cutting-edge automotive tech.
Premium Beauty Products
The older consumer has adopted a simpler skincare regimen, making room for CeraVe and Neutrogena. Baby Boomers are now focusing on basic moisturizers and sun protection rather than elaborate anti-aging regimens. This reflects changing attitudes toward aging, and women now say they feel more comfortable with their natural looks than they did five years ago..
Cruise Vacations
The typical cruise passenger was about 66 in 2019, as per the latest Photolaid estimate (2025) has a typical age at around 55, prompting Boomers to prefer premium, smaller ships with less risk to physical distancing and a greater emphasis on health concerns.
Boomer travel has shifted from crowded cruise ships and extensive tours to smaller, eco-friendly options, influenced by lingering health concerns and a growing focus on sustainability.
Newspaper Subscriptions
The newspaper circulation – both print and digital – has been in decline for well over a decade. The weekday circulation, according to Pew Research Centre estimates, declined by about 8% from 2019 to 2020, and it’s down a total of 32% over five years.
Pew Research has shown that the newspaper industry has struggled to convert older print subscribers into digital subscribers; however, digital subscriptions increased slightly in mid-2021 as more subscribers transitioned to digital formats. These shoppers now turn to national news websites and social media, reflecting both tech-savviness and thrift.
Landline Telephone Services
Government data show that in 2016, only 74% of U.S. households did not have a landline phone; also hovering just over the 50% mark is the number of people polled who still reported owning one.
Landlines are a thing of the past for many Boomers, too, and the trend accelerated during the pandemic, when Boomers pressed into service as video callers since they had no one else to visit in person discovered what their cell phones were capable of. Few Boomer households still have landline service at home, mainly for security systems or medical alert devices.
Physical Music Media
By 2019, 40% of adults aged 55 and older were monthly online audio listeners, a number that grew to 78% among 18-34 year-olds by 2023, according to Edison research. Boomers have embraced streaming and podcasts, rediscovering favorites from their youth and exploring new genres. The accessibility of online audio platforms has also allowed them to reconnect with favorite music from their youth while exploring new genres.
Online Banking
While 39% of Baby Boomers most often utilize online banking, one in six Baby Boomers (16%) visit bank branches, showing that in-person banking still holds value for a portion of this generation, according to the American Bankers Association. This preference may be driven by a sense of trust and familiarity associated with traditional bank branches.
Kitchen Gadgets and Appliances
According to a 2023 McCormick study, 81% of Boomers prepare at least four out of five meals at home, indicating a strong preference for familiar recipes and home cooking—often with comfort and minimal fuss. Boomers simplified their cooking habits and downsized their kitchens.
Empty-nest Boomers have reduced their cooking frequency and complexity, making elaborate kitchen equipment unnecessary. Many Boomers are opting for meal delivery services or simple cooking methods. The shift reflects changing household dynamics as children leave home and couples cook smaller, simpler meals.
Key Takeaways
The Boomer consumer culture is undergoing a significant shift in American purchasing patterns. Experiences and digital alternatives are now prioritized, with Boomers seeking simpler, more affordable lifestyles that offer greater value and convenience. While this demographic’s purchasing power remains influential, its members are increasingly focused on health, travel, and relationships over acquiring possessions.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the exact same things I always do, but my bill just keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hot dogs of indeterminate age and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it ends up being part of a regular routine or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food info you need.
Let’s look at 6 gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat.
