What splurging on $22 smoothies in this economy really represents

Americans are skipping restaurant dinners, delaying car purchases, and scouring for grocery deals. Amid tariff anxiety and broader stress over affordability, consumer confidence has dropped to levels not seen in over a decade, according to The Conference Board, a business think tank. At this point, it’s wealthier consumers who are powering the bulk of spending in the U.S. economy. So what explains the success of Erewhon’s US$22 smoothie? The Los Angeles grocery chain selling these fancy co...