From scooting suits to takkie traders: eight social trends that told us about the US economy in 2018
More than passing fads, they say something about growth, labour markets and demographics
We’re about to say “thank u … next!” to a year that gave us oat milk shortages and compostable straws galore. Before we ring in 2019, it’s time to take a look at what some of 2018’s hottest social trends told us about the US economy. Adult dorms and jade rollers may prove to be fads, but they also say something about growth, labour markets and demographics. Below, we examine the wonky underbelly of recent cultural phenomena. 1. Sidewalk scooters Just when everyone thought that scooters, the hippest toy circa 2000, had gone the way of frosted tips and popcorn shirts, they staged a comeback among suit-and-tie-clad urbanites. Electric two-wheelers are a thing from Washington to Los Angeles. It’s a sign that as the US population shifts away from small metros and towards cities and their immediate suburbs, it’s prompting people to look for new, inexpensive and efficient means of getting around. 2. The headquarters showdown Speaking of urban concentration, Amazon looked far and wide for a...
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