Black Friday-Cyber Monday shoppers spent more online and in person this year, driving $44.2 billion in sales
In a year marked by economic uncertainty, U.S. consumers demonstrated a remarkable willingness to spend during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping events, shattering previous records. According to Adobe Analytics, online shopping reached unprecedented heights, with Black Friday alone raking in a staggering $11.8 billion. This was complemented by $6.4 billion spent online on Thanksgiving Day, and a further $11.8 billion over the ensuing weekend. Cyber Monday continued this trend, with online sales soaring to $14.25 billion. Collectively, these figures culminated in an astounding total of approximately $44.2 billion in online shopping from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, showcasing a robust consumer appetite for deals despite looming economic concerns.
In-person shopping also saw a notable increase, as reported by the National Retail Federation (NRF). Approximately 129.5 million consumers ventured out to physical stores, marking a 3 percent rise from the previous year. Furthermore, the NRF noted that the average amount spent per shopper increased to $337.86 this year, compared to $315.56 in 2022. This uptick suggests that consumers were not only eager to shop but were also willing to spend more, possibly driven by a desire for bargains and the thrill of the shopping experience. As shoppers flocked to both online and brick-and-mortar stores, it became evident that the quest for discounts was a top priority, highlighting a resilient consumer sentiment amid economic challenges.
These shopping trends reflect a broader narrative of consumer behavior in today’s economy, where the desire for value and savings is paramount. With many still feeling the pinch of inflation and rising costs, the willingness to spend significant amounts during these key shopping events signals a complex relationship between consumer confidence and economic realities. As retailers prepare for the holiday season, the insights gleaned from this year’s shopping frenzy will undoubtedly shape their strategies moving forward, as they seek to capitalize on the evident demand for deals and discounts.
Shoppers dropped a lot of cash during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Despite substantial
economic concerns
for U.S. consumers, shoppers in the country spent record amounts. Online spending hit a record-high $11.8 billion on Black Friday itself,
NBC News reported
, citing figures from Adobe Analytics. The
same firm estimated
shoppers spent $6.4 billion online on Thanksgiving Day, plus another $11.8 billion online over the weekend. U.S. shoppers spent some $14.25 billion online on Cyber Monday, according to Adobe,
via Reuters
. For those keeping score at home, that brings the whopping grand total to about $44.2 billion in online shopping from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
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We don’t have as
compelling data about in-person shopping, but the National Retail Federation (NRF)
told Reuters
that 129.5 million consumers showed up to shop in person, which represents a 3 percent uptick from last year. The NRF found that shoppers dropped an average of $337.86 this year, up from $315.56 in 2024.
So it seems folks were ready to shop this year. Perhaps now, more than ever, they were looking for a good deal.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Tech & AI news.