Black Friday Fever: Shoppers Focus on Deals Amid Economic Uncertainty
The US retail scene witnessed a significant shopping frenzy over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend, with many consumers opting for deals online and in-store as they navigated economic uncertainty. Despite predictions of gloomy spending due to the economic downturn, shoppers remained focused and selective, with online sales accounting for 30% of total holiday sales - an increase from 15% in 2012.
According to Adobe Analytics, Cyber Week generated $44.2 billion in online sales, up 7.7% year-over-year, largely driven by record spending on Black Friday. The day itself saw consumers spend $14.25 billion, a 7.1% rise compared to last year's figure.
Retailers reported strong foot traffic at iconic malls like the Mall of America, with over 235,000 visitors on Black Friday, marking the busiest shopping day in the mall's history.
However, despite the enthusiasm, shoppers were laser-focused and had done their homework beforehand, often relying on social media or store websites to inform their purchasing decisions. Marketing director William Lewis at Westfield Garden State Plaza noted that customers "know exactly where they are going" before making a purchase.
Discounts were generous during the weekend, but analysts warn that retailers will likely pull back from these discounts in the coming weeks, with only certain items expected to see continued promotions.
While shoppers remained optimistic about the holiday season, concerns surround potential tapering of spending as the season progresses. Experts are closely monitoring data between post-Thanksgiving sales and the last week before Christmas to determine whether spending remains strong throughout the holiday period.
Industry insights point to consumers delaying purchases in order to spend during the holidays, raising questions about how shoppers will behave in 2026.
The US retail scene witnessed a significant shopping frenzy over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend, with many consumers opting for deals online and in-store as they navigated economic uncertainty. Despite predictions of gloomy spending due to the economic downturn, shoppers remained focused and selective, with online sales accounting for 30% of total holiday sales - an increase from 15% in 2012.
According to Adobe Analytics, Cyber Week generated $44.2 billion in online sales, up 7.7% year-over-year, largely driven by record spending on Black Friday. The day itself saw consumers spend $14.25 billion, a 7.1% rise compared to last year's figure.
Retailers reported strong foot traffic at iconic malls like the Mall of America, with over 235,000 visitors on Black Friday, marking the busiest shopping day in the mall's history.
However, despite the enthusiasm, shoppers were laser-focused and had done their homework beforehand, often relying on social media or store websites to inform their purchasing decisions. Marketing director William Lewis at Westfield Garden State Plaza noted that customers "know exactly where they are going" before making a purchase.
Discounts were generous during the weekend, but analysts warn that retailers will likely pull back from these discounts in the coming weeks, with only certain items expected to see continued promotions.
While shoppers remained optimistic about the holiday season, concerns surround potential tapering of spending as the season progresses. Experts are closely monitoring data between post-Thanksgiving sales and the last week before Christmas to determine whether spending remains strong throughout the holiday period.
Industry insights point to consumers delaying purchases in order to spend during the holidays, raising questions about how shoppers will behave in 2026.
. Like, who thought it was a good idea to encourage people to overspend just because there are some discounts on TVs and laptops? 
And don't even get me started on the online shopping chaos - I swear, my social media feed is just filled with ads for "limited time" deals that disappear as soon as you try to click on them 
.
It feels like shopping has become this super choreographed production, where everyone knows exactly what they're doing except the poor shoppers who are just trying to have fun. 
on black friday. people still love getting deals even when there's economic uncertainty around 
. i think retailers did a good job of creating buzz and hype before the event, with social media playing a big role 
. but at the same time, it feels like shoppers are being pretty savvy and doing their research beforehand 
. discount codes were pretty generous this year, but i heard rumors that next week might be different 
. what's your take on all this?
. But seriously, isn't it just a bit... exhausting? All those social media ads and in-store promotions can be overwhelming 
. Can we please just appreciate the deals for what they are - a chance to score some sweet discounts? 
.
(up 7.7% year-over-year)
. The $44.2 billion in Cyber Week sales is pretty impressive tho 
. Maybe I'm just missing something, but retailers seem to be playing it safe with these discounts... hoping to keep the spending going before things get really tough 
.