Black Friday Shopping Trends #

Despite early holiday discounts, US consumers flocked to stores and online platforms for Black Friday, leading to a 3.4% increase in retail sales year-over-year. More consumers opted for online shopping, with a significant 14.6% rise. In-store sales saw a modest increase of less than 1%.

Shoppers prioritized promotions offering the best value, balancing spending on experiences and gifts. This strategic approach allowed them to enjoy and maximize seasonal deals.

Leading up to Black Friday, there was a notable increase in grocery spending, and restaurant expenditures surged post-Thanksgiving. Online shoppers made a record $10.8 billion in purchases on Friday, compared to $9.8 billion in 2023, with Thanksgiving Day spending hitting $6.1 billion.

Black Friday continued to draw huge attention, though Cyber Monday was anticipated to become the biggest shopping day, with expectations of spending soaring to $13.2 billion, marking a 6.1% rise year-over-year.

Shopify achieved a new record with $5 billion in global sales, with US shoppers’ average cart prices reaching $157, focusing on items like t-shirts, skincare, and vitamins.

It was estimated that the average American would spend $902 during the holiday season on gifts, food, and decorations, a $25 increase from the previous year. During Black Friday, consumers favored purchases in jewelry, electronics, and apparel, spurred by major discounts.

However, “great deals don’t always mean high quality.” The mass production of electronics, toys, and clothes purchased during this time often led to overconsumption, impacting the environment. “That’s where consumers have a bit more power to make some more choices around the things that we buy,” suggesting a more mindful approach could mitigate waste.