As Americans approach July 4th, the grill market is experiencing a cooling trend following the pandemic-era buying surge. Market leaders like Traeger have reported significant declines in sales, with the company’s latest quarter grill sales dropping to $76.8 million from $156.1 million in Q2 2021.

Major retailers, including Home Depot, have noted a drop in the purchase of big-ticket outdoor items, including grills. Local stores are also feeling the impact.

The slowdown is attributed to several factors, including inflated meat prices, high interest rates, and economic uncertainty. Many consumers who purchased grills during the pandemic lockdowns see no need to upgrade their relatively recent acquisitions.

Despite the sales slump, grill ownership remains high. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association reports that 80% of U.S. homeowners owned a grill or smoker in 2023, up from 64% in 2019.

Retailers are employing various strategies to reignite demand, including targeting first-time homeowners with affordable options and hosting cooking demonstrations. However, analysts note that creating demand in a slow-growth industry remains challenging.

While the grill market struggles, the tradition of outdoor cooking persists. The average cost of a Fourth of July cookout for 10 guests has risen to $71.22, up 5% from last year and 30% from 2019. Despite this increase, many Americans continue to uphold their grilling traditions, demonstrating the resilience of this summer pastime.

Krispy Kreme is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the sitcom “Friends” with a new range of themed doughnuts. Much to the disappointment of US fans, however, these treats are exclusively available in the UK and Ireland. This decision has sparked a wave of frustration on social media, with many expressing their annoyance and confusion.

The move underscores the impact of promotional items on brand visibility. Krispy Kreme’s CEO Josh Charlesworth highlighted in a recent earnings call that such innovations are key to keeping the brand fresh and exciting. He pointed out that special doughnut offerings have previously driven significant consumer traffic, citing examples like Valentine’s Day and eclipse-themed promotions.

Fans took to Instagram to voice their displeasure and ask that the doughnuts be made available in the United States.

The “Friends” doughnut range includes flavors like “Friends,” a chocolate glazed doughnut with the show’s iconic fountain image, and “Trifle,” a strawberry and custard-filled doughnut inspired by a memorable episode where Rachel attempys to make dessert. Other flavors include “How You Doin?” and “We were on a Coffee Break,” each referencing key moments from the show.

Krispy Kreme has previously launched US-exclusive collaborations, such as the Southern Sweets Doughnut Collection with Dolly Parton. When asked if the “Friends” doughnuts would be released in the US, a Krispy Kreme representative declined to comment, stating there was “nothing additional to share at this time.”

Sony Pictures Entertainment, the studio behind recent hits like “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” and “Anyone but You,” has acquired Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, the dine-in movie theater chain. Alamo will be integrated into a new division called Sony Pictures Experiences, and will continue to operate all 35 of its locations across 25 U.S. metro areas.

While major movie studios were previously prohibited from owning theaters due to the 1948 Supreme Court antitrust case, the Paramount Consent Decrees, which enforced this law, were abolished in 2020, allowing studios to enter the theater business once again.

Sony follows Netflix, which bought the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles and the Paris Theater in New York City, and Disney, which owns the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. However, Sony is the first major studio to acquire a theater chain.

Founded in 1997 in Austin, Texas, Alamo Drafthouse is known for its dine-in service, alcoholic beverages, and curated film programs. The theaters offer a mix of new releases and repertory titles, attracting large audiences. Despite its popularity, Alamo filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2021 but emerged a few months later.

Tim League, founder of Alamo Drafthouse, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating that Sony’s respect for cinema aligns with Alamo’s vision. Michael Kustermann will remain CEO of Alamo and lead the new Sony Pictures Experiences unit. The headquarters will stay in Austin.

Sony has recently seen box office success with films like “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” and “The Garfield Movie”.

In a groundbreaking move, IKEA is offering 10 paid positions for real-life staff to work in its virtual store on the gaming platform Roblox. Dubbed “The Co-Worker Game,” this initiative marks IKEA’s first foray into mainstream gaming, allowing people to immerse themselves in the working world of the iconic furniture retailer.

Successful applicants, aged 18 and over and residing in the UK or Ireland, will work remotely in different sections of the online store. Their responsibilities include assisting customers with furniture selection, organizing virtual spaces using IKEA products, and even serving digital meatballs.

The fully remote positions pay £13.15 ($16.82) per hour, equivalent to a typical IKEA employee’s wage in London and higher than the US federal minimum wage. Employees will work alongside unpaid Roblox players, who can also serve customers, explore showrooms, and earn promotions.

IKEA’s unusual job listing has gone viral on social media, with users expressing their opinions through memes and videos. While it is still unclear whether virtual customers can purchase actual IKEA products through the game, this innovative move positions IKEA as a pioneer in the world of technology.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, IKEA’s venture into Roblox showcases the potential for brands to engage with consumers in immersive and creative ways, blurring the lines between virtual and physical experiences.

After two years of rising costs, Americans are becoming more cautious with their spending, prompting retailers to offer more discounts. In response, Target are reducing prices on groceries, and fast food establishments are introducing lower cost meals. Discount stores like Dollar General are attracting budget-conscious customers. CEO Todd Vasos noted that Dollar General shoppers are making tradeoffs, buying fewer items despite the store attracting more middle- and upper-income customers.

This financial strain is reflected in broader data as well. The Federal Reserve’s “Beige Book” reports consumers resisting further price hikes. Target recently reduced prices on 1,500 items with plans for more cuts. This cautious spending contrasts with last year’s robust expenditure, which kept the economy growing. Revised figures show the economy grew at an annual rate of 1.3% in the first quarter, down from the initially reported 1.6%, due to reduced consumer spending.

The slowdown continued in April, with consumer spending on goods falling 0.2%, according to the Commerce Department. However, spending on services like haircuts and event tickets increased, contributing to persistent inflation. Consumer prices rose 2.7% in April from a year ago, still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.