Kroger says middle-income shoppers are showing signs of stress similar to what low-income households have been feeling for months. Management noted that customers are making smaller, more frequent trips and cutting back on discretionary items like meat and snacks to manage their budgets. Dollar General reported that low-income shoppers are prioritizing a lower total bill over value-per-unit, with sales in their $1 section growing. Dollar Tree saw a drop in foot traffic due to sticker shock from price increases. Walmart's CFO also highlighted a deepening K-shaped economy, noting a large gap in spending habits between wealthy and low-income areas.