If you’re feeling down, go spend money; that should improve your mood.
This procedure is called “Retail therapy.” It is described as compulsive shopping undertaken to improve one’s mood, reduce stress, or cope with negative emotions.
While it may make you feel better, it can lead to substantial debt.
According to lending company CashNet USA the average U.S consumer makes over 107 retail therapy purchases each year.
In 2025, the average U.S. shopper spent more than $4,500 on retail therapy. Millennials (Ages between 29-44) were the top age group spending the most, around $8,200. Following them was Generation Z at $5,900, and Baby Boomers spent the least, with an average of $989 per year.
Generation Z has been feeling the worst because the figures show their spending rate doubled last year, increasing by around 14%
Most retail therapy purchases were made with online outlets. 55% of retail therapy was spent on Amazon, 54% at Walmart, and 29% at Target.
The most frequently purchased items during retail therapy were food. Approximately 67% reported spending money on snacks and treats to improve their mood. 49% said they purchased takeout.
Among men and women, food was the top item. Men bought video games. Most women reported that buying clothes was their form of retail therapy, followed by buying beauty products.
What was the top issue people used to justify their retail therapy? 45% of respondents cited work-related stress as the primary reason. 17% said doomscrolling drove them to shop.
