FOX Business\u2019 Madison Alworth joined FOX Business\u2019 Stuart Varney on “Varney & Co.<\/a>” to report on how malls are redesigning spaces and adding new experiences aimed at younger shoppers, from social media-friendly dressing rooms to activities like indoor rock climbing walls.<\/p>\n Shoppers at a mall in Glendale, California, U.S. (Kyle Grillot\/Bloomberg \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n BURLINGTON TO OPEN OVER TWO DOZEN NEW STORES ACROSS COUNTRY IN MAY<\/a><\/p>\n According to data firm NielsenIQ, Gen Z retail spending is expected to surpass $12 trillion globally by 2030, with growth outpacing every other generation. Data from Circana also found shoppers between 18 and 24 years old made 62% of their general merchandise purchases<\/a> in physical stores last year, compared to 52% among consumers 25 and older.<\/p>\n A ‘Mornings with Maria’ panel discusses the markets, the impact from the Spirit Airlines collapse and the resiliency of the U.S. economy.<\/p>\n Those trends come as broader retail spending<\/a> has remained resilient despite ongoing economic uncertainty. U.S. retail sales rose 0.5% in April from the previous month and climbed 4.9% year over year, according to Commerce Department data released Thursday, showing consumers are still spending even as higher interest rates continue pressuring household budgets.<\/p>\n Macerich Executive Vice President of Asset Management Cory Scott said younger shoppers are increasingly prioritizing experiences alongside purchases.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Shoppers](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shoppers-in-shopping-mall.png\")
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