In the 1990s, consumers stopped spending in the expectation that prices would fall further.
Many consumers, alarmed about the health of their children and themselves, stopped buying apples.
But only when consumers stopped buying did they think about making the products better.
For a while after 9/11, economists worried that frightened consumers would stop spending.
The lesson is that consumers don't stop spending until they get hit on the head.
If consumers stop feeling confident about their job security or the value of their investments, they won't buy as much stuff.
Few consumers stop momentarily to study wine colors - a mistake.
If tapped-out American consumers stop spending, its economy could be in trouble.
Some consumers have stopped taking the supplement as news of its adverse side effects has spread.
"Normally in a recession, the consumer stops spending," she said.