business
Price hikes pushing consumers to abandon their favorite brands
By Emily Hanford-Ostmann at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· June 30, 2026
· 3 min read
From toothpaste to cereal, big brands count on consumers buying the same products every time they shop. But lately, that loyalty is starting to weaken, especially at the grocery store.Prices for staples like coffee and beef aren't just creeping up they're way higher than headline inflation."And ...
Key takeaway Even more telling, 70% say they're less loyal to brands than last year.
Why this matters in The Waco
The trend of consumers abandoning their favorite brands due to price hikes has significant implications for Waco 's local economy. With 60% of people ditching a brand they were loyal to this year, local businesses that rely on brand loyalty, such as grocery stores and retail shops, may need to adapt to changing consumer habits. The fact that 76% of shoppers are dropping brands they were previously loyal to in the grocery category is particularly relevant to Waco, where grocery shopping is a staple of daily life. As consumers turn to discount chains like Aldi and dollar stores, traditional supermarkets and mass retailers in Waco may need to reassess their pricing strategies to remain competitive. Additionally, the rise of AI influencing brand loyalty may also impact local businesses, as consumers become more open to trying new brands and products recommended by digital agents.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? From toothpaste to cereal, big brands count on consumers buying the same products every time they shop. But lately, that loyalty is starting to weaken, especially at the grocery store.Prices for staples like coffee and beef aren't just creeping up they're way higher than headline inflation."And ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emily Hanford-Ostmann at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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