Black Friday Bonanza: U.S. Online Sales Soar to Record $10.8 Billion Amid E-Commerce Boom
1min read Recent data from Adobe Analytics indicates that U.S. consumers spent a record $10.8 billion online this Black Friday, representing a 10.2% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores the growing shift towards online shopping, as consumers increasingly opt for the convenience and variety offered by digital platforms.
Black Friday, falling just after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, signals the official start of the holiday shopping season. Retailers, keen to attract bargain-hunters, have intensified their competitive efforts. The rise in online shopping activity could particularly benefit e-commerce giants like Amazon and Walmart. Notably, Walmart has invested heavily in services that offer direct deliveries from its 4,700 U.S. stores during the holiday period.
The digital shopping landscape this season is characterized by extended sales periods, allowing consumers ample time to scout deals and make purchases. Reports suggest that significant discounts and promotions are key drivers, especially in a climate where economic conditions remain unpredictable and inflation rates persist above average.
The growth in online spending is also reflected in the variety of products that have seen increased demand. Adobe reports that the top-selling items include cosmetics, skincare, Bluetooth speakers, and espresso machines. In addition, specific categories like toys, jewelry, and home appliances have witnessed substantial online sales growth, with toy sales skyrocketing by 622% compared to October's daily averages.
Major retail chains might face challenges this quarter due to the compressed timeframe between Thanksgiving and Christmas, lasting only 26 days. However, the robust online performance during Black Friday offers a positive outlook for what has become a critical period for retail sales.