What do Barbie, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift all have in common? They all helped boost America’s economy. Whether it be the Barbie movie, Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour, or Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, millions of Americans have gotten out and spent money for these events.
With consumers spending on popcorn, merchandise, and tickets, the Barbie movie has raked in over $1 billion at the box office. Researchers say that this economic jump is linked to successful marketing campaigns. For example, Mattel, the company who created Barbie, has signed over 100 sponsorship agreements with brands all over the world. Because of this, the Barbie Movie was highly anticipated even before the release, with people loving Barbie aesthetic and of course, the color pink. But a big reason why Barbie was so well liked was due to the relatability factor. Women agree that the Barbie movie encapsulates what it feels to be a woman in today’s society and with women controlling over 80% of consumer spending, it’s no wonder why the boost occurred.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has become one of the biggest tours of all time. Experts have estimated that the Eras Tour will likely surpass the $1 Billion mark by next March, and generate close to $5 billion in consumer spending. Like the Barbie movie, Eras tour goers have been spending anywhere between $1,300-$1,500 on outfits, merchandise, dining, and travel. This has generated business and boosted spending in host cities. Fenwick Junior Jenin Gabato, who attended the Eras Tour this summer, participated in all the fun festivities. “I bedazzled the back of a jean jacket so that it would look like her Lover album and I made exactly 22 friendship bracelets.” Said Jenin. “I spent $750 in total for two tickets and I bought about $125 worth of merchandise.” However, Jenin was not the only one participating in wearing extravagant outfits. “One person did recreate her Reputation outfit; it looked like it took a lot of time and money.”
The same instances occurred when Beyoncé started her Renaissance Tour. In places like New York, the search for nail techs and restaurants all led to an increase in consumer spending in the week leading up to Beyoncé’s performance. Sade Rucker, another Fenwick Junior, went to Beyoncé’s concert in Chicago. “ I got my nails done, bought a new outfit, and got my hair done before going to the concert,” said Sade. Similar to the Eras Tour, Sade claimed that “Many people sitting in front of me had very elaborate outfits on.” Beyoncé’s tour has also generated a lot of revenue for local tourism. With limited tour locations, many fans turned to traveling to a city where she was performing. “The people that we were sitting next to were from Wisconsin,” stated Sade.
The Barbie movie, Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour, and Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour all show that women are not to be underestimated or overlooked. They serve as inspiration to show that women lift up economies and that impact should not be disregarded. Summer 2023 was the summer of women empowerment.
