US Consumer Spending Habits Shift Toward Value Retailers Following Fuel Price Hikes Due to War

US consumers are shifting their spending habits toward value-focused retailers following fuel price surges caused by the Iran war.Sales of discretionary items like housewares and clothing have dropped by 6 percent while households prioritize grocery essentials and smaller fuel fill-ups.Analysts expect these defensive purchasing patterns to intensify once tax refunds are exhausted and inflation continues to weigh on household budgets.