Bloomberg Surveillance · Friday, August 14, 2026
Despite an overall economic slowdown, a 'K-shaped' economy is seeing a significant increase in spending among those who can afford it, particularly in hobbies. Lily Meyer highlighted that the running culture has 'gone way upscale,' with consumers purchasing expensive items like $350 running shorts and $450 running vests. This trend suggests a widening gap between high-income earners who are splurging and the broader consumer base facing economic pressures.
“It absolutely And I'm wondering as well as we see this K shaped economy, you know, the divide growing ever wider. You've also been reporting on how even when it comes to people's hobbies, those that can afford it are splurging big time. The running culture, for instance, has gone way upscale.”
“So you know, instead of shopping at places that are a little bit more affordable, like your Nike's, your Didas, shoppers are buying three hundred and fifty dollars running shorts.”
“People are spending wild amounts of money to sweat in these items. And you know, a four hundred and fifty dollars running vest or one hundred and fifty dollars T shirt that has holes in it, So people want idea.”