A new UK-focused report finds that nostalgia and a preference for “lived experiences” are influencing consumer spending going into 2026. Based on a survey carried out for Mastercard across the UK, about seven in 10 respondents say that lived experiences matter more to them than before. The report also highlights escapism as a factor behind spending choices, suggesting that consumers are increasingly drawn to activities and occasions that feel immersive or emotionally rewarding. While the exact breakdown of spending categories is not detailed in the provided excerpts, the overall theme is that purchasing decisions are shifting toward experiences rather than purely goods-based consumption, with nostalgia playing a role in how people choose what to spend on. The findings reflect a consumer mindset that prioritizes memorable experiences and emotional connection, aligning with broader expectations of continued demand for discretionary experiences. The Belfast Telegraph and The Independent both report on the same Mastercard research, emphasizing the central figures—particularly the seven-in-10 share—linking lived experiences and nostalgia-driven motivations to anticipated spending patterns.