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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Jonathan Barrett Business editor

‘Squat’ cans and rented clothes: cash-strapped younger Australians drive demand for ‘little luxuries’

A woman captures a photo or video of a sweater on a hanger at home, using her smartphone for online shopping, clothing resale, and sustainable choices
A ‘shop to sell’ mindset means today’s young consumers view purchases differently to their parents. Photograph: Posed by model; Natalia Lebedinskaia/Getty Images

Cash-strapped younger Australians are driving a new market trend by turning to “little luxuries”, such as downsized bottles of alcohol and cosmetics, and rented wardrobes, as high living costs persist.

Industry analysts say this novel behaviour, not witnessed in past generations, contrasts with the historical, cautious response from strained consumers of forgoing non-essential items altogether to avoid debt.

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