The Phenomenon of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift Concerts: Boosting Consumption and Economic Activity

Tours That Are Making History

Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” and Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tours have taken the world by storm and are set to break records in terms of cultural impact and revenue. Swift’s tour is estimated to earn over $1 billion in sales, making it the first concert in history to reach this milestone. Some predictions suggest that Beyoncé’s world tour could even surpass that amount by the time it concludes in October.

The Rise of “Revenge Spending”

Both artists’ tours are part of the growing trend known as “revenge spending,” in which individuals redirect their spending from goods to experiences following the pandemic. Fans of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have been splurging on everything from high-priced secondhand tickets to extravagant manicures that match the singers’ outfits. Although overall event spending is still recovering from pre-pandemic levels, these marquee concerts are driving a significant amount of consumption.

Economic Impact of the Concerts

Surveys conducted by QuestionPro estimate that Taylor Swift’s concert could generate approximately $4.6 billion in economic activity in North America alone. This figure takes into account factors such as stadium capacity and individuals’ spending plans for tickets, merchandise, and travel. Similarly, Beyoncé’s shows are projected to stimulate $4.5 billion in spending based on a separate QuestionPro survey. The concerts have not only boosted ticket sales but have also led to increased spending on accommodations, attire, and related activities in host cities.

Expanding Beyond Tickets

It’s not just concert tickets that are driving economic activity. Fans attending these shows are also booking hotel rooms, purchasing elaborate outfits, getting artistic manicures, and attending themed parties, all of which contribute to business growth and increased expenditure in the host cities.

For example, Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach, Calif., hosted a Taylor Swift pre-party where guests dressed in costumes, wore temporary tattoos inspired by Swift, and enjoyed a signature cocktail named “Lavender Haze” after one of her popular songs. The hotel and surrounding establishments reported a surge in demand, leading to higher room rates and sold-out properties.

Boxie Studio in Los Angeles offered tickets that allowed visitors to film TikToks or take Instagram photos in rooms designed to resemble sets from Taylor Swift’s music videos. Props included iconic items like the red scarf from the song “All Too Well.” These events have garnered attention from national economic authorities, with Sweden’s statistics agency attributing Beyoncé’s tour to inflationary pressures and a Federal Reserve survey stating that Taylor Swift fans have boosted hotel revenues in the Philadelphia region.

Boost for Local Tourism and Consumer Spending

The concert summer has become a significant driver of local tourism, as evident in rising search trends and bookings. Cities like Cincinnati, Ohio, became a top trending destination on Airbnb during the July 4th weekend due to Taylor Swift’s concert. In New York, there was a triple-digit percentage increase in searches for lounges, aestheticians, and nail technicians leading up to Beyoncé’s performance in East Rutherford, N.J., according to Yelp’s analysis. Many concertgoers were also booking hair and nail appointments well in advance.

Positive Impact on the Economy

These concerts are having a positive impact on the economy, coinciding with a strong job market where low unemployment and rising wages allow individuals to afford big-ticket purchases such as concert tickets and expensive hotel rooms. A survey conducted for The New York Times found that approximately 50% of Taylor Swift fans used their regular income to buy tickets and outfits, while 9% relied on savings accumulated during the pandemic. Beyoncé fans also primarily funded their tickets with their income, with an average expenditure of $1,800 for the concert.

Overall, these concerts are driving economic growth, boosting local businesses, and providing fans with unforgettable experiences. As economists observe the “revenge spending” trend, they believe these tours may mark the end of a unique period of increased expenditure on experiences following heavy spending on goods during the pandemic. Regardless, both Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have successfully timed their tours to coincide with the summer, ensuring continued consumer activity and supporting economic recovery.