Small businesses play a crucial role in our economy, impacting jobs and services in our communities. Recently, a report revealed insights on consumer spending at these businesses, shining a light on how we spend our money and what it means for everyday Americans.

Latest Findings from the Fiserv Small Business Index

Fiserv, a leader in financial services technology, recently released its Small Business Index for June 2026. This report tracks consumer spending at small businesses, and it shows that, despite rising inflation, these businesses are experiencing a modest boost in sales. The index score rose to 145, indicating an increase in both sales and transaction volume. Specifically, sales rose 2.4% compared to the previous year and 0.8% compared to May.

Interestingly, the growth is primarily driven by higher average transaction amounts rather than increased foot traffic. Some sectors, particularly Retail, are starting to show a balance between pricing and consumer activity, hinting that consumer confidence might be stabilizing. Despite a small decline in transactions over the year, there was a slight month-to-month increase, suggesting a possible shift in consumer behavior.

Retail Sales on the Rise

Retail sales have seen an overall improvement, with a notable increase of 3.0% year over year and 1.5% month over month. This surge comes from both increased transactions and modest price gains across multiple categories. Foot traffic in retail appears to be returning to healthier levels, especially in sectors like Food and Beverage and Sporting Goods.

The months leading up to June had shown a dip in Retail performance, so this bounce-back is encouraging for both consumers and small business owners. The balance in demand indicates that people may be willing to spend again, especially for everyday essentials.

Restaurants Showing Some Stability

In the restaurant sector, sales have also edged up, growing by 0.2% year over year. The figures represent a much-needed recovery from previous declines in the market. However, foot traffic still remains down, dropping 3.1% compared to last year. Full-service restaurants are holding steady with reasonable demand, while limited-service options continue to lag. This trend highlights the ongoing challenges that these businesses face; higher average tickets are supporting sales growth, despite fewer customers dining out.

As the dining landscape evolves, it seems that restaurants may need to adapt their business models. This might involve focusing on quality experiences or adjusting pricing strategies to pull customers back in.

Consumer Spending Trends Shifting

The report indicates shifts in consumer behavior that could have broader implications. For 18 months, spending on essentials outpaced discretionary purchases, but recent data suggest this gap is closing. Goods sales increased by 3.0% compared to the previous year, implying a resurgence in discretionary spending.

Interestingly, average ticket sizes for these goods grew only modestly by 0.5%, indicating that consumers are searching for value and carefully comparing prices. On the other hand, spending on essential services grew, but at the cost of fewer transactions, revealing that consumers are becoming more selective as they navigate an inflationary environment.

What this means for you

The Fiserv Small Business Index highlights important trends in consumer spending that can affect your daily life, from where you shop to how much you pay for essentials. Understanding these trends can help you make informed spending decisions.

If you ever need to review any retail terms or conditions, AI legalese decoder can translate it into plain English in seconds. Keeping an eye on these small business trends can also help you be a more informed consumer, ensuring your spending aligns with your values and budget.

Source: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/06/3322410/0/en/small-business-sales-grow-on-higher-tickets-and-retail-rebound-fiserv-data-shows.html