Lower-Income Consumers Use Digital Channels to Manage Spending and Build Bigger Baskets

Lower-income U.S. households, squeezed by the timing of wage payments and fixed expenses, are shifting from ad hoc restocking to larger purchases timed around income and promotions. PYMNTS Intelligence’s December 2025 Wage to Wallet Index found that liquidity pressures were mounting. Dollar General’s $1 items and digital discounts have consequently become important budgeting tools.

PYMNTS compiled the latest earnings figures on March 18, 2026. Dollar General reported a 2.6% increase in customer traffic, a 1.7% rise in average transaction value and more than 7 million monthly active app users. Dollar Tree’s average ticket rose 6.3% while traffic fell 1.2%, indicating that consumers were consolidating purchases. Digital sales at Kohl’s increased to 35% of total sales.