Conspicuous consumption was most common in Northern cities.

Conspicuous consumption is the acquisition and display of expensive or luxury items to suggest that one is wealthy. Often times, this will attract attention to one's wealth.

Thorstein Veblen

Americans are notorious for conspicuous consumption. Such items as large homes, expensive cars, jewelry, boats, clothing, and entertaining are all examples of how Americans flaunt their wealth.

There are three broad types of consumption: 1. Physical consumption 2. Conspicuous consumption 3. Risk-averse consumption Physical consumption is all about buying and using/ eating goods and services. This type of consumption leads to physiological well being. Conspicuous consumption is what leads to peer group recognition. Buying designer clothes for exorbitant price or going on an exotic holiday with the purpose of standing out are examples of conspicuous consumption. Risk-averse consumption is where the consumer wants to be absolutely sure about the product and rarely experiments. Health care products, banking services, insurance, very high value purchases fall in this category.