BLACK FRIDAY TRENDS

The turkey left-overs are finished and the Black Friday shopping craze is nothing but a sleepy memory. There is nothing left to do but count the money and analyze the numbers from the extended holiday shopping extravaganza. Though there is still much data to analyze and the final tally may not be known for several weeks, early indications are that the face of Black Friday is changing after nearly eighty years. The decision of some big box retailers to open their doors on Thanksgiving Day had an impact on Black Friday numbers. That decision, coupled with an uncertain economy, has early statistics coming in slightly behind 2011’s Black Friday numbers. Reports show that coupling Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday brings a much brighter retail outlook. One of the biggest changes this year may not have been the date of purchase, but rather the manner of purchase. Internet shopping showed a significant boost in sales on both Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. Thanksgiving Day online sales were up by around 17% and Black Friday online sales showed a more than 20% increase. Those that did brave the stores to do their shopping utilized their phones and tablets to get the most beneficial coupons and social networking was an important factor this year, as consumers shared shopping information. Mobile sales, from consumers using a phone for purchases, saw a double digit jump this year. Most experts are in agreement that the combined numbers from Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday and online sales through the holiday weekend will meet or exceed predictions for the start of the 2012 holiday shopping season.

 

 

Source: K. Depew, News Director