Ready to score the best deals of the year without the hassle? Black Friday has transformed from chaotic in-store stampedes to a sophisticated blend of online and mobile shopping extravaganzas.
Dive in as we uncover how technology and changing consumer habits are reshaping this iconic shopping event—and how you can make the most of it.
Black Friday Shopping Trends
Black Friday’s gotten a facelift in recent years, shaking up how we shop thanks to clever tech and changing buyer habits. The two biggies jumping up are online shopping and folks grabbing their phones to snap up bargains.
Rise of Online Shopping
Online shopping is taking over, especially when it comes to Black Friday. More folks are swapping packed malls for their cozy couches, warming up to the charm of browsing websites. We’re seeing this shift as just a part of our evolving shopping munchies, with online-only stores becoming the new go-to during the holidays.
Fewer than a third of American shoppers planned to brave the in-store chaos on Black Friday. Instead, the smooth sailing of online browsing, plus a super-tempting range of online-only deals, are reeling folks in.
| Year | Percentage of Online Shoppers (%) |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 45 |
| 2019 | 50 |
| 2020 | 60 |
| 2021 | 65 |
| 2022 | 70 |
| 2023 | 75 |
Source: Queue-it
Retail giants are catching the wave, kicking off Black Friday bonanzas weeks early. Best Buy is leading the charge, rolling out sales as soon as the spooky season wraps up in October.
Fewer than a third of American shoppers planned to brave the in-store chaos on Black Friday, opting instead for the smooth sailing of online browsing.” — Queue-it
Mobile Dominance in Sales
Phones are now the magic wand for snapping up deals on-the-go. In 2023, over half of holiday purchases were made via mobile. This highlights the need for stores to ensure their sites aren’t just another pretty face but are speedy on mobile too.
Shopping on your phone means grabbing the best Black Friday steals from your comfy spot, whether that’s your couch or sitting in traffic. Sites easy on the eyes and quick as lightning are turning casual browsers into buyers.
| Year | Percentage of Mobile Sales (%) |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 33 |
| 2019 | 40 |
| 2020 | 48 |
| 2021 | 55 |
| 2022 | 62 |
| 2023 | 50+ |
Taking these trends in stride helps everyone make the most of Black Friday. If you’re keen on snagging the best finds, check out our guides on budget-friendly buys and door-crashing deals.
“In 2023, over half of holiday purchases were made via mobile, highlighting the crucial role of mobile optimization for retailers.” — Taboola
Black Friday Statistics
Black Friday isn’t just a day for snagging that snazzy gadget or scoring sweet deals. It’s also a goldmine of fascinating figures that tell us how folks are shopping these days. Let’s check out these eye-opening numbers and see what’s up.
U.S. Retail Sales Increase
Black Friday stays the heavyweight champ for bringing in the big bucks for U.S. shops. U.S. retail sales on Black Friday bumped up a solid 5% from last year. This steady climb shows how crucial this shopping frenzy is for both buyers and sellers.
Here’s a peek at how sales have been growing over the years:
| Year | Black Friday Sales (Billions) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $9.1 |
| 2023 | $9.8 |
Consumer Shopping Preferences
People’s shopping styles are changing, tilting more toward phones and online deals. In 2023, over half of the holiday purchases came from mobile devices. This trend nudges businesses to jazz up their websites for mobile users to catch this wave.
Plus, online-only stores topped the chart for shopping spots during the 2023 holiday rush. With the allure of shopping in your PJs, online stores are stealing hearts and dollars, offering more convenience and variety.
| Shopping Method | Preference (%) |
|---|---|
| Online-Only Retailers | 60 |
| Physical Stores | 20 |
| Mixed Approach | 20 |
Find more on consumer behavior during Black Friday here.
Holiday Season Sales Insights
The shopping escapade doesn’t stop on Black Friday. The entire holiday season gets a big sales bump, with Black Friday leading the charge. The 2023 Black Friday spending hit $9.8 billion, up by 7.5% from last year. Cyber Week pulled in a whopping $38 billion, marking a 7.8% hike.
Thanks to savvy advertising like paid search and programmatic ads, sales are soaring, with paid search boosting online sales by nearly 30% on Black Friday. Shops aiming for a piece of the pie should focus on black friday ads and smart promotions to get noticed.
Check out this table for more juicy details:
| Metric | 2022 | 2023 | Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Friday Spending (Billions) | $9.1 | $9.8 | 7.5 |
| Cyber Week Spending (Billions) | $35.3 | $38 | 7.8 |
These numbers are a treasure chest for deal seekers, tech buffs, small businesses, and others who want to cash in on black friday deals. Whether you’re a pro at shopping online or planning to camp out for door-buster sales, knowing these trends can help map out your Black Friday game plan smoothly.
Impact of Black Friday Campaigns
Revenue Generation Importance
Black Friday isn’t just about big crowds and packed shopping carts; it’s a golden opportunity for businesses to rake in a huge chunk of their yearly revenue. Nail it with a solid Black Friday campaign, and you might see a whopping 25% or more of your annual sales roll in, underlining why getting your game plan together early is critical. This period isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have where advanced prep and strategy can really play off.
Take 2023: Global online sales jumped by 8%, hitting a mind-blowing $70.9 billion — all thanks to boosted digital engagement and clever marketing strategies. Check out the table below to see how online sales soared during Black Friday:
| Year | Global Online Sales (in Billion $) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 65.6 |
| 2023 | 70.9 |
Retailers’ Marketing Strategy
Retailers have a bag of tricks to grab and keep shopper’s attention amid the Black Friday chaos. One popular move is targeted ads based on what you’ve been eyeing online, tracked by those pesky cookies. This cunning tactic means you’ll get offers that scream your name, which is way more tempting.
There’s also the sneaky urgency move using countdowns, limited-time deals, and those infamous doorbuster steals. These pull consumers into a whirlwind of quick buying decisions, often leading to spending sprees. Knowing this can save your wallet as you stick to your shopping list.
Retailers count on email blasts to keep potential buyers in the loop about upcoming Black Friday bonanzas. A killer email campaign can keep them hooked and drive foot traffic or site visits.
Last year, a National Retail Federation (NRF) study showed a hefty 196.7 million unique shoppers hit the stores over the holiday weekend, up by nearly 17 million from 2021. Friday was the big winner for in-store shopping, pulling in 72.9 million shoppers, proving the strategies do what they do best—pack in the crowds.
For retailers, here’s where to focus:
- Optimizing Ads: Get on Google and Facebook ads to reach more eyeballs.
- Early Bird Promotions: Push out early deals and stock up.
To really crush your Black Friday strategy, pop over to our reads on black friday sales and black friday ads.
Strategies for Black Friday Success
Nailing it on Black Friday is all about having a solid plan that clicks with what shoppers want these days. Here’s how to turn Black Friday into a win.
Optimizing for Mobile Shopping
Make sure shopping on your mobile site is as easy as pie! Over half of the holiday shopping in 2023 was done on phones. People are glued to their phones for shopping, so having a smooth experience is a must.
A mobile-friendly site should load super-fast, look good on any device, and be a breeze to navigate. With online stores and big retail giants being the spots to shop, folks are really favoring digital buys.
| Must-Haves | Why They Matter |
|---|---|
| Great Design | Keeps users happy and coming back |
| Speedy Load Times | Cuts down on folks ditching their carts |
| Easy Navigation | Gets those sale conversions up |
Want more on mobile shopping trends? Visit our page about black friday sales.
The Power of Paid Ads
Paid ads can really bring in the crowds and boost sales on Black Friday. A strong strategy here pays off, as seen with paid search driving nearly 30% of online sales during the event.
A well-placed ad campaign on this monster shopping day could stack up a hefty chunk of annual sales. Many businesses see about 25% of their yearly sales during this period, making a killer marketing plan super important.
For tips on ads that get attention, explore our black friday ads section.
Getting a Jump on the Shopping Season
Starting early is the name of the game. About 27% of Black Friday shoppers kick off their holiday buying spree before November even hits. Retailers need to catch these eager beavers early.
Consider launching early sales, sending out targeted emails, and ramping up social media buzz to get folks excited about what’s to come. For more on gearing up early, check our black friday promotions guide.
By putting these tactics into play, you can grab the spotlight for deal seekers, tech fans, and those after the perfect holiday gift, ensuring your Black Friday is nothing short of a smashing success.
Evolution of Black Friday
Historical Origins
Once upon a time, “Black Friday” didn’t mean battling crowds for a mega TV deal. Nope, it was all about a financial train wreck. On September 24, 1869, the U.S. gold market took a nasty nosedive courtesy of two slippery characters, Jay Gould and Jim Fisk. This particular economic debacle left plenty of folks down in the dumps.
Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and the “Black Friday” phrase got a new lease on life. In the swinging 1960s, Philadelphia cops coined the term to describe the traffic nightmares caused by swarms of shoppers and tourists piling into the city before the Army-Navy football match on the following Saturday. Retailers, savvy as they are, began using “Black Friday” to describe their shopping frenzies.
And then there’s the tall tale that Black Friday marked the day stores went from being broke (“in the red”) to living large (“in the black”). This spin was cooked up much later, as stores wanted to ditch the negative vibes and show off the day’s positive side.
Retailer Reinvention
Jump to the late 1980s, and retailers put a whole new spin on Black Friday. It became the unofficial launch of holiday shopping madness. The “red to black” story gave Black Friday a sunny new look, painting it as a money-making day rather than a financial failure (History).
Retailers started dangling jaw-dropping discounts and special offers to lure in shoppers, turning Black Friday into the shopping blowout we all know today. It soon spread from a one-day affair to a full-on holiday shopping season. Stores started rolling out Black Friday deals ahead of time and stretching them out through the weekend or longer.
Adapting to shoppers’ changing habits like online and mobile buying, retailers amped up their black friday ads and poured more energy into marketing strategies to juice up their sales. Black Friday now is a big ole mix of in-person deals and sweet online bargains.
| Year | Estimated Online Sales (in billions) |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $6.2 |
| 2019 | $7.4 |
| 2020 | $9.0 |
This table shows just how important online shopping has become in the Black Friday madness. Retailers have got their finger on the pulse, rolling out tempting goodies in everything from electronics to fashion, making sure they’ve got something for everyone.
In short, Black Friday has come a long way from its bumpy beginnings to being a shopping bonanza. Thanks to heaps of strategic moves and tapping into consumer trends, Black Friday is now a big deal every holiday season, bringing in boatloads of cash and offering people some of the best bargains around. For more on nabbing the finest deals, swing by our guide on black friday top deals.
Black Friday Marketing Strategies
Businesses look forward to Black Friday like kids anticipate Christmas morning; it’s chaotic, exciting, and everything they hope for—as long as they’ve got the right game plan. Let’s dig into three heavy hitters: making email campaigns work like magic, outsmarting cart abandonment villains, and giving the people what they love—free shipping.
Email Campaign Effectiveness
Email marketing on Black Friday? It’s like the golden goose of retail. For every buck spent, you get back $36 worth of sales action, blowing other channels outta the water. Send those exclusive offers before the frenzy and watch those numbers tick upward.
| Marketing Channel | ROI ($) per $1 Spent |
|---|---|
| Email Campaigns | 36 |
| Social Media | 28 |
| Paid Ads | 22 |
Hone your email game by:
- Giving a personal touch, like you’re reading their minds
- Sending early alerts that make them insiders to the sales
- Tossing in special codes and black friday coupons
- Crafting killer subject lines that practically beg to be opened
Nail these steps, and you’re on the fast track to a jingle-all-the-way kind of sales boost.
Cart Abandonment Rates
Cart abandonment during Black Friday is the retail equivalent of Uncle Jimmy passing out before the turkey’s even carved. It’s at a stubborn 78% as of 2022. But it’s also a golden opportunity to tweak and lure those shoppers back.
| Year | Global Cart Abandonment Rate |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 76% |
| 2022 | 78% |
Solutions look like this:
- Zap ’em with a friendly reminder email about those forgotten goodies
- Sweeten the deal with time-sensitive discounts or black friday doorbusters
- Flash those rave reviews to nudge ’em over the finish line
- Make checkout a no-brainer to avoid any confusion
Tackle abandonment with savvy strategies, and you’ll see more browsers turn into buyers.
Role of Free Shipping
Free shipping on Black Friday is like the cherry on top of a sale sundae. It nudges shoppers into snagging 2.5 items and shelling out $22 more than they would otherwise. It’s a win for everyone involved.
| Shipping Type | Average Items Ordered | Average Additional Spend ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Free Shipping | 2.5 | 22 |
| Paid Shipping | 1 | 0 |
To make it sing, you should:
- Serve up free standard shipping across the board for Black Friday
- Make sure it’s front and center in black friday ads and promotions
- Promise a no-sweat return policy for peace of mind
Bake free shipping into your strategy, and shoppers will respond by opening their wallets a bit wider.
Need more on how to master Black Friday? Have a gander at more articles loaded with pro tips to ace the shopping season.
In-Store Shopping Trends
Black Friday is still the day when stores buzz with crowds, even with the explosion of online shopping. Knowing how folks shop and eyeing future sales can help stores gear up for this shopping frenzy.
Consumer Behavior Changes
Yeah, online shopping’s been on a roll, but Black Friday still gets people on their feet. According to, only about a third of Americans planned on hitting the shops that day. Those who do go are mainly after killer deals and eleventh-hour steals, especially those only found in stores like those popular black friday doorbusters.
Why do folks still love to shop in person? Well, many people crave the excitement of hunting down deals and enjoying the social vibe with family or buddies. Here’s why in-store shopping still has its magic:
- Instant gratification from snagging products
- Checking out items up close and personal
- Scoring special in-store black friday coupons
Even though the online shopping cart is king, there’s something about the in-store experience on Black Friday that keeps it a staple. Retailers should straddle both worlds to cover their bases.
In-Store Sales Forecast
In-store sales have had their ups and downs with different spending habits and what’s happening in the economy. Waitwhile has it that sales are set to bounce back by 4.8% this holiday season, even with folks tightening their purse strings due to inflation.
Check out some key forecast highlights:
| Metric | Black Friday 2022 | Black Friday 2023 Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| In-Store Shopper Count (millions) | 72.9 | 75.0 |
| Small Business Saturday Shoppers (millions) | 63.4 | 65.5 |
| Total Holiday Weekend Shoppers (millions) | 196.7 | 200.0 |
| In-Store Sales Growth (%) | 2.5% | 4.8% |
Numbers from Waitwhile
The National Retail Federation (NRF) says last year hit a whopping 196.7 million shoppers over the long weekend. Black Friday topped the charts with 72.9 million setting foot in stores, which means retailers should expect the usual hoopla and prep for it.
Stores out there should use these numbers to beef up their in-store game by rolling out deals and promos that’ll catch bargain hunters and gift-seekers. Dive into our piece on black friday promotions for some fresh marketing tactics to get the sales ringing.
If you’re looking for more about what this Black Friday might bring, including the deals that’ll knock your socks off, take a peek at our section on black friday top deals.
Shopping Tips for Black Friday
Black Friday is that wild shopping bash where deal hunters can grab goodies without emptyin’ their wallets. We’ve got some handy tricks up our sleeve to make sure you dodge those sneaky retailer tactics and snap up the juiciest bargains.
Deal Tricks to Watch For
Retailers love throwing curveballs to make you spend more cash. Here’s the lowdown on some of their tricks and how to sidestep them:
Use Incognito Mode
Did you know stores might mess with prices based on your browsing history? Yeah, creepy, right? By shoppin’ in incognito mode, you can dodge those pesky incremental changes. Grab your haul without someone sneakin’ a peek at your online habits.
Beware of Artificial Urgency
Those countdown clocks and last-chance deals? Totally designed to make ya panic-buy. Stick to your shopping list and don’t let a ticking clock nab your cash!
Compare Prices
Before droppin’ dollars, surf around a bit. Compare prices at different stores or see if apps snag you a better deal. Some places might even match prices or toss in extra discounts.
Check Store Policies
Before we get too checkout happy, be sure ya know a store’s return policy. Black Friday’s excitement might come with strings attached, like no returns or restock fees. Be savvy with those buys!
Sign Up for Alerts
Want the scoop on exclusive deals? Join retailer newsletters or set product alerts to be the first in line for pre-sales or flash bargains. Never hurts to be ahead of the game!
Best Deals by Product Category
Based on what we’ve seen before, here’s where you’ll find some major markdowns:
Electronics
Who doesn’t want to make their home smarter? Those Amazon Echo Dots and Google Nest gadgets usually get slashed by 40% or more.
| Product | Discount (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen.) | 49% | Snag it for just $24.99 |
| Google Nest Mini | 50% | Great bundle deals, too |
Check out even more black friday electronics deals.
Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers
From Apple Watches to Fitbits, it’s a great time to spruce up your wristwear collection with some serious markdowns.
| Product | Discount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch (New Models) | $20 – $50 off | Grab them at Apple, Kohl’s, or Target |
| Fitbit (Older Generations) | Up to $100 off | Find ’em at your fave stores |
Click for more black friday top deals.
Home Appliances
Sick of that old microwave? Black Friday might be your best friend.
| Appliance Type | Discount (%) |
|---|---|
| Vacuum Cleaners | 30% – 50% |
| Kitchen Gadgets | 25% – 40% |
Fashion and Apparel
Clothing stores pull out all the stops. Stock up on fashion essentials with some hefty markdowns and sweet coupon double-dips.
| Product Type | Discount (%) |
|---|---|
| Shoes | 25% – 50% |
| Jackets & Coats | 30% – 60% |
Armed with these pointers, you’ve got everything ya need to tango with Black Friday and come out loaded with treasures! For more shopping strategies, peek at our Black Friday sales and Black Friday best buys. Ready, set, happy bargain huntin’!
Conclusion
Black Friday has evolved into a dynamic shopping phenomenon that goes beyond doorbuster deals and crowded malls.
With the surge in online and mobile shopping, savvy marketing strategies, and a deeper understanding of consumer behavior, both shoppers and retailers are redefining what it means to score big.
Whether you’re clicking away from the comfort of your couch or venturing out for that in-store thrill, staying informed and prepared is your ticket to a successful Black Friday haul. Happy shopping!
FAQs
What are the biggest changes in Black Friday shopping trends?
The rise of online shopping and mobile sales has significantly shifted Black Friday from in-store chaos to digital convenience, with more people shopping from home than ever before.
How has online shopping impacted Black Friday?
Online shopping offers the comfort of browsing deals without crowds, leading retailers to start sales earlier and provide exclusive online discounts to attract customers.
Why is mobile shopping becoming so popular during Black Friday?
Mobile shopping lets consumers snag deals on-the-go, with over half of holiday purchases made via mobile devices due to its convenience and accessibility.
Are in-store Black Friday sales declining?
While there’s a shift towards online shopping, many consumers still enjoy the in-store experience for exclusive deals and immediate gratification, keeping physical stores relevant.
What strategies can shoppers use to get the best Black Friday deals?
Start early, compare prices across retailers, use incognito browsing to avoid dynamic pricing, watch out for artificial urgency tactics, and sign up for alerts on exclusive deals.
