Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Consumers Buy More Selectively While Prioritizing Experiences
Many people are thinking harder before buying big things they do not need.
They may wait before buying a new gadget or something for their home.
But some still want to spend money on trips, concerts, meals, and other special events.
These activities can feel memorable and meaningful to them.
A survey in India found that 29% planned to spend on curated experiences.
Another report found many people planned to spend the same or more on events.
Young people in that report were especially likely to expect to spend more.
Experiences can still cost a lot, so people are choosing what feels most worth their money.
Deloitte India’s 2026 Consumer Signals report says shoppers are more cautious about large, non-essential purchases.
The share of Indian consumers intending to spend on curated experiences rose to 29%, one percentage point higher than the previous year.
Some travelers are choosing to spend more on better flights, accommodation and curated experiences, even as they delay major purchases.
Eventbrite’s 2025 trends report found 76% of surveyed consumers planned to spend the same amount or more on events.
Thirty-six percent of Gen Z respondents expected to increase event spending; the article says experiences are not always cheaper than goods.
- Who
- Consumers, including Indian shoppers and Gen Z respondents surveyed by Eventbrite.
- What
- Consumers are becoming more cautious about large purchases while continuing to spend selectively on experiences.
- When
- Deloitte’s report is for 2026; Eventbrite’s trends report is for 2025.
- Where
- India is the focus of Deloitte’s findings; Eventbrite’s survey is also discussed.
- Why
- Consumers are balancing financial caution with spending on experiences they consider valuable or memorable.
- Deloitte report
- Deloitte India’s 2026 Consumer Signals report
- Curated experiences
- 29% of Indian consumers intended to spend on them, up one percentage point from the previous year.
- Event spending plans
- 76% of consumers surveyed by Eventbrite planned to spend the same amount or more on events.
- Gen Z event spending
- 36% of Gen Z respondents expected to increase their spending.
- Purchase behavior
- Consumers were becoming more cautious about large, non-essential purchases.
- Travel spending
- Some consumers chose better flights, accommodation and curated experiences.