The much-anticipated shopping event known as Black Friday is poised to commence, marking the beginning of the holiday shopping season that follows Thanksgiving. In recent years, the landscape of this annual sales phenomenon has shifted dramatically, largely influenced by the rise of online shopping and the consumer behaviors that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike the chaotic scenes of midnight crowds and frenzied doorbuster deals that characterized earlier decades, this year’s event is expected to unfold in a more subdued manner.
Retailers have been proactive in their marketing strategies, launching extensive advertising campaigns and offering exclusive promotions in an effort to entice cautious shoppers. Despite the changing dynamics, it is projected that a significant number of American consumers will still engage in Black Friday shopping, whether by visiting physical stores or taking advantage of the myriad of online deals flooding their inboxes. According to estimates from the National Retail Federation in conjunction with Prosper Insights & Analytics, approximately 183.4 million individuals are expected to participate in shopping activities across the United States from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, with around 131.7 million specifically planning to shop on Black Friday itself.
As the holiday shopping landscape evolves, the early introduction of Black Friday-like discounts and the increasing popularity of alternative shopping events, such as Cyber Monday, are reshaping consumer spending patterns. It is crucial for shoppers to remain vigilant and cautious of potential online scams while navigating this bustling shopping season.