Black Friday in the US, among crowds in the streets and expectations of greater spending

The United States is experiencing its great consumerist day this Friday, Black Fridayin which it is expected that 130 million people will go out to buy, that many others will do so online and that total spending will increase again, albeit moderately, since inflation persists.

In New York, the shopping capital, the streets were filled with people, from the picturesque Fifth Avenue to Herald Square, where the Macy’s department store is located; Many were carrying bags and suitcases, but others were just walking around and admiring the Christmas decorations.

To the Black Friday Businesses of all kinds signed up today, from multinational clothing, cosmetics, jewelry and electronic devices, very busy today, to local businesses such as marijuana dispensaries and tarot consultations, with less influx, in any case the crowds of yesteryear were not seen. .

The convenience of shopping online gains followers every year and many retail companies offer sales in advance, even since October, through their online platforms instead of concentrating them on this day, which has diminished the urgency for those who go shopping in person.

Black Friday spending won’t be known for a few days, but everything indicates that Christmas shopping got off to a good start yesterday, on Thanksgiving Day, even though many stores closed early so their employees could enjoy the festive with your loved ones.

According to the company Adobe Analytics, which analyzes the online platforms of the country’s large retailers, Americans spent US$5.6 billion yesterday on online purchases alone, 5.5% more than last year, and almost double compared to the previous year. 2,870 million in 2017.

More spending but more moderate

The company expects that online sales on Black Friday will amount to 9.6 billion, 5.7% more year-on-year, a figure to which we must add sales in physical stores, for which there are no forecasts and which continue to be the most important. despite the ease of spending in a “click”.

The most sought after gifts are for the Christmas holidays, where the little ones in the house usually rule, and proof of this is Thursday’s ranking: Barbie products, the PlayStation 5 console and the Call of Duty video game.

Large retailers such as Macy’s, Best Buy and Walmart published cautious forecasts in the last month and indicated that consumers take their budgets into account given the increase in the cost of goods, so they are aware of offers and willing to wait for them.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts a new spending record this holiday season (which covers November and December), although with more moderate growth compared to previous years, which were marked by the “boom ” after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NRF estimates for the whole of November and December are between 957,000 and 966,000 million dollars, which represents 3% to 4% more compared to 2022, growth that reflects moderation after 5%, 13% and 9 %, respectively, in previous years.

Adobe Analytics estimates that online spending in that same period will amount to 221.8 billion, 4.8% more year-on-year.

According to a survey by retail employers, 74% of Americans plan to take advantage of the sales on the long weekend that runs from Thanksgiving Thursday to Monday, nicknamed Cyber ​​Monday, and which has made its way as the day most popular online shopping in the United States.