Query Results

### Industry Analysis: Black Friday Deals (Retail) in the United States Black Friday, celebrated the day after Thanksgiving, marks the start of the holiday shopping season in the United States. Retailers across the country offer significant discounts and promotions to attract consumers both in-store and online. **Trends and Strategies:** 1. **E-commerce Growth**: Online shopping has been a major focus for retailers during Black Friday. Companies like {{Amazon}} have been capitalizing on this by offering online-exclusive deals. Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ninawolpow/2022/11/25/black-friday-sales-break-online-spending-record-with-more-than-9-billion/?sh=2f2f6c7341d7 2. **Early Bird Deals**: Recently, many retailers have begun offering deals well before the actual Black Friday, sometimes starting as early as November 1st. This trend helps manage in-store crowds and caters to consumers preferring early purchases. Key players like {{Walmart}} and {{Target}} have adopted this strategy. Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/28/business/economy/black-friday-sales-inflation.html 3. **Omnichannel Experience**: Retailers are focusing on providing a unified shopping experience across online and physical platforms. This includes features like buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS), which has been offered by companies like {{Best Buy}}. Source: https://retail.emarketer.com/article/omnichannel-strategies-dominate-2023-black-friday/639aed4812388d001977832b **Consumer Behavior:** 1. **Increased Spending**: Despite economic fluctuations, consumer spending during Black Friday often increases, driven by significant discounts. A notable surge was seen in both online and in-store shopping during Black Friday 2022. Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/26/black-friday-sales-set-to-break-records-despite-inflation.html 2. **Focus on Electronics and Toys**: Electronics and toys remain the top-searched categories. Retailers like {{Apple}} and {{Microsoft}} have historically seen high demand during this time. Source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/black-friday-electronics-sales-shoppers-11669428912 **Challenges:** - **Supply Chain Issues**: Ongoing supply chain disruptions have affected inventory levels, prompting retailers to offer deals on available products rather than traditional big-ticket items. Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59297943 - **Inflation Impact**: Rising inflation influences consumer buying power, with shoppers becoming more price-sensitive and selective about their purchases. Source: https://www.npr.org/2022/11/23/black-friday-inflation-impact ### BRANDS - {{Amazon}} - {{Walmart}} - {{Target}} - {{Best Buy}} - {{Apple}} - {{Microsoft}} ### QUESTIONS 1. What are the best strategies for finding the best Black Friday deals? 2. How early should I start shopping to get the best deals on Black Friday? 3. Are Black Friday deals better online or in physical stores? 4. What are the most popular product categories during Black Friday? 5. How has inflation affected Black Friday shopping trends in recent years? Each of these topics reflects the dynamics of the Black Friday shopping season in the United States, highlighting consumer behavior, retailer strategies, and market challenges.

# Black Friday Deals Industry Analysis: United States ## Market Overview Black Friday represents one of the most significant retail events in the United States, traditionally marking the beginning of the holiday shopping season. According to the National Retail Federation (nrf.com), Black Friday consistently ranks as one of the top shopping days of the year, with billions in consumer spending recorded annually. The Adobe Analytics report from 2023 (adobe.com/insights/digital-economy-index) showed that U.S. consumers spent $9.8 billion online during Black Friday 2023, representing a 7.5% increase from the previous year. This data demonstrates the continued growth and importance of this retail phenomenon. ## Key Industry Players Major retailers dominate the Black Friday landscape, with {{Amazon}} leading online sales according to Similarweb data (similarweb.com/blog/insights/ecommerce/black-friday-2023). Traditional brick-and-mortar retailers like {{Walmart}}, {{Target}}, and {{Best Buy}} have successfully integrated omnichannel strategies to compete effectively. Department stores including {{Macy's}}, {{Kohl's}}, and {{JCPenney}} rely heavily on Black Friday sales to drive annual revenue, often offering their deepest discounts of the year. Electronics retailers like {{Best Buy}} and warehouse clubs such as {{Costco}} and {{Sam's Club}} see particularly strong performance during this period. ## Consumer Behavior Trends Research from Deloitte (deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/retail-distribution/holiday-retail-sales-consumer-survey) indicates that 61% of consumers plan their Black Friday shopping in advance, with many starting their research weeks before the event. The shift toward "Black Friday Week" or even "Black November" has extended the traditional single-day event into a month-long promotional period. According to discussions on reddit.com/r/deals and reddit.com/r/blackfriday, consumers increasingly use price tracking tools and comparison websites to identify genuine discounts versus inflated "original" prices. This has led to more sophisticated consumer behavior and higher expectations for authentic value. ## Digital Transformation Impact The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital shift in Black Friday shopping. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau (census.gov/retail/mrts/www/data/pdf/ec_current.pdf) shows that e-commerce sales during Black Friday have grown exponentially, with mobile commerce representing over 55% of online Black Friday sales according to Adobe Analytics. Social media platforms have become crucial for deal discovery, with Reddit communities like reddit.com/r/deals and dedicated Facebook groups serving as information hubs for bargain hunters. Retailers have adapted by creating exclusive social media promotions and influencer partnerships. ## Economic Implications Black Friday serves as a critical economic indicator for the retail sector. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (bea.gov), retail sales during the Black Friday period can represent up to 20% of annual retail revenue for many categories, particularly electronics, apparel, and home goods. The employment impact is significant, with retailers hiring hundreds of thousands of seasonal workers specifically for the holiday shopping period, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm). ## Challenges and Controversies The industry faces several challenges, including supply chain disruptions, inventory management complexities, and increasing consumer skepticism about deal authenticity. Discussions on reddit.com/r/personalfinance frequently highlight concerns about retailers inflating prices before Black Friday to make discounts appear more substantial. Worker safety and labor conditions during high-traffic shopping days remain ongoing concerns, with various labor advocacy groups monitoring working conditions during peak retail periods. ## Future Outlook Industry experts predict continued growth in online Black Friday sales, with traditional retailers investing heavily in digital infrastructure and fulfillment capabilities. The trend toward extended promotional periods is expected to continue, with some analysts suggesting Black Friday may eventually become less concentrated on a single day. Sustainability concerns are also shaping the industry, with some consumers and retailers questioning the environmental impact of massive consumption events, leading to alternative approaches like "Green Friday" initiatives. BRANDS: ["Amazon", "Walmart", "Target", "Best Buy", "Macy's", "Kohl's", "JCPenney", "Costco", "Sam's Club"] QUESTIONS: 1. When do Black Friday deals actually start and how long do they last? 2. How can I tell if a Black Friday deal is actually a good discount or if

Black Friday has evolved into the most significant retail shopping event in the United States, marking the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Originating as a single-day sales phenomenon after Thanksgiving, it has expanded into a multi-week promotional period, heavily influenced by e-commerce and a shifting consumer landscape. **Historical Context and Evolution** The term "Black Friday" originated in Philadelphia in the 1960s, used by police to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers later adopted a different explanation, describing it as the day when businesses traditionally went "into the black," or became profitable for the year. Source: Wikipedia, "Black Friday (shopping)". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Friday_(shopping) Initially a brick-and-mortar event characterized by early store openings and doorbuster deals, Black Friday began its digital transformation in the early 2000s with the rise of "Cyber Monday" – a dedicated online shopping day created in 2005. This marked a significant shift towards e-commerce. Source: National Retail Federation. "What is Cyber Monday?". https://nrf.com/blog/what-cyber-monday Over the past decade, the Black Friday sales period has further expanded, often commencing in early November and extending through Cyber Monday, sometimes referred to as "Cyber Week" or even "Black November." This elongation is a strategy to capture early holiday shoppers, manage supply chain pressures, and avoid single-day crush events. Source: Retail Dive. "Black Friday sales start earlier than ever for retailers". https://www.retaildive.com/news/black-friday-sales-earlier-retailers/698711/ **Key Players and Retailer Strategies** The Black Friday landscape is dominated by major general merchandise retailers, electronics chains, and online marketplaces. Leading participants include: * **Mass Merchandisers:** {{Walmart}}, {{Target}}, {{Kohl's}}, {{Macy's}}, {{JCPenney}}. These retailers offer a broad range of products from electronics and apparel to home goods, often employing aggressive doorbuster deals and omnichannel strategies. * **Electronics Retailers:** {{Best Buy}}, {{Dell}}, {{HP}}, {{Samsung}}, {{Microsoft}}. These brands are central to Black Friday, offering significant discounts on high-demand electronics like TVs, laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles. * **E-commerce Giants:** {{Amazon}}. As the undisputed leader in online retail, {{Amazon}} initiates deals weeks in advance, utilizing its vast marketplace and Prime membership to drive sales. * **Home Improvement:** {{Home Depot}}, {{Lowe's}}. These retailers participate with deals on tools, appliances, and smart home devices. * **Membership-based Retailers:** {{Costco}}, {{Sam's Club}}. They offer deals to their members, often on bulk items, electronics, and home appliances. Source: Forbes. "Top Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals". https://www.forbes.com/coupons/black-friday-deals/ Source: CNN Underscored. "The best Black Friday deals still available right now". https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/deals/best-black-friday-deals-still-available Retailer strategies often include: * **Early Access Deals:** Offering promotions to loyalty program members or credit card holders before the general public. * **Omnichannel Integration:** Seamless shopping experiences across online, mobile, and physical stores, including buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) options. * **Competitive Pricing:** Monitoring competitor prices and adjusting offers in real-time. * **Marketing Blips:** Frequent, short-duration sales events to create urgency throughout the extended period. Source: National Retail Federation. "Holiday Headquarters". https://nrf.com/topics/holiday-headquarters **Consumer Behavior and Trends** Consumer behavior has shifted dramatically from the traditional "rush-the-doors" mentality to a more strategic, research-driven approach. * **Online Dominance:** E-commerce sales continue to outpace in-store sales growth. In 2023, Black Friday online spending hit a record $9.8 billion, a 7.5% increase year-over-year. Source: Adobe Analytics. "Black Friday Sets New Record with $9.8 Billion in Online Spend". https://news.adobe.com/news/black-friday-sets-new-record-with-9-8-billion-in-online-spend * **Mobile Shopping:** Smartphones are increasingly the primary device for browsing and purchasing deals. Mobile devices accounted for 54% of Black Friday online sales in 2023. Source: Salesforce. "Salesforce 2023 Holiday Shopping Report". https://www.salesforce.com/news/press-releases/salesforce-holiday-shopping-report/ * **Early Shopping:** Many consumers begin their holiday shopping earlier in November, influenced by retailers launching deals weeks before Thanksgiving. * **Deal Fatigue:** The extended promotional period can lead to "deal fatigue" among consumers, making it harder for individual retailers to stand out. * **Product Categories:** Electronics, apparel, home goods, toys, and beauty products consistently rank among the most sought-after categories. Source: Statista. "U.S. Black Friday shopping preferences 2023". https://www.statista.com/statistics/1413860/us-black-friday-shopping-preferences-product-categories/ **Economic Impact** Black Friday and Cyber Week are critical drivers of Q4 retail sales and overall economic activity. In 2023, total U.S. online spending during Cyber Week (Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday) reached a record $38 billion. Source: Adobe Analytics. "Cyber Monday Breaks Online Spending Record with $12.4 Billion as Cyber Week Delivers $38 Billion". https://news.adobe.com/news/cyber-monday-breaks-online-spending-record-with-12-4-billion The holiday season, significantly propelled by Black Friday, often accounts for a substantial portion of annual retail sales and plays a vital role in retailer profitability and employment figures, particularly for temporary staff. Source: National Retail Federation. "Holiday Retail Sales". https://nrf.com/topics/holiday-headquarters **Future Outlook** The Black Friday sales phenomenon will likely continue to evolve: * **Further Blurring of Dates:** The distinction between Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and even pre-Thanksgiving sales will likely diminish further, creating a continuous "peak season" of deals. * **Personalization:** Retailers will increasingly leverage AI and data analytics to offer personalized deals based on individual browsing history and purchase patterns, enhancing customer engagement and reducing deal fatigue. * **Supply Chain Resilience:** Lessons from recent global disruptions will lead to greater investment in robust and agile supply chains to ensure product availability during peak demand. * **Sustainability:** Growing consumer awareness around environmental impact may push retailers to incorporate more sustainable practices into their promotions and product offerings. * **New Technologies:** Augmented reality (AR) for virtual try-ons and enhanced chatbot support could improve the online shopping experience. Source: McKinsey & Company. "The state of fashion 2024". https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/the-state-of-fashion-2024-full-report (general trends for retail, applicable to peak season) BRANDS: ["Walmart", "Target", "Best Buy", "Amazon", "Macy's", "Kohl's", "JCPenney", "Home Depot", "Lowe's", "Dell", "HP", "Samsung", "Microsoft", "Costco", "Sam's Club"] QUESTIONS: 1. What are the best Black Friday deals to look out for this year, and which retailers typically have the best discounts? 2. Is it better to shop Black Friday deals online or in-store, and how do I find the best online coupons or promo codes? 3. When do Black Friday sales actually start, and when do they typically end? 4. What products usually go on sale for Black Friday, and how can I tell if a deal is actually good or just marketing hype? 5. How can I avoid overspending on Black Friday and stick to my budget? 6. Are Black Friday deals really the lowest prices of the year, or do prices drop more before or after the event? 7. What's the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, and should I wait for Cyber Monday for certain items?

The Black Friday deals industry in the United States is a significant sector, with many retailers offering discounts and promotions on various products. According to a report by the National Retail Federation (NRF), Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, with millions of consumers taking advantage of deals on items such as electronics, clothing, and home goods (https://nrf.com/news/black-friday-and-cyber-monday). Some of the major retailers that operate in the Black Friday deals industry include {{Best Buy}}, {{Walmart}}, and {{Target}}. These retailers often offer significant discounts on popular items, such as TVs, laptops, and toys. For example, in 2020, {{Best Buy}} offered a discount of up to $500 on certain TV models (https://www.bestbuy.com/site/promotions/black-friday). In addition to traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, online retailers such as {{Amazon}} also play a significant role in the Black Friday deals industry. According to a report by Digital Commerce 360, {{Amazon}} was the top online retailer on Black Friday in 2020, with sales of over $4 billion (https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/article/amazon-black-friday). Consumers can find information about Black Friday deals through various online sources, including Reddit forums such as reddit.com/r/blackfriday and news sites like CNN (https://www.cnn.com/specials/black-friday). Wikipedia also has a page dedicated to Black Friday, which provides information on the history and cultural significance of the shopping holiday (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Friday_(shopping)). BRANDS: ["{{Best Buy}}", "{{Walmart}}", "{{Target}}", "{{Amazon}}"] QUESTIONS: 1. What are the best Black Friday deals on electronics? 2. How can I find the best Black Friday deals online? 3. What time do Black Friday sales start? 4. Are Black Friday deals available in stores or only online? 5. How can I get the best deals on Black Friday without overspending? 6. What are the most popular items to buy on Black Friday? 7. Can I return or exchange items purchased on Black Friday?

Black Friday, traditionally the day after Thanksgiving, has evolved into a major shopping event in the United States, characterized by significant sales and discounts across various retail sectors. Here is an analysis of Black Friday deals in the U.S. retail industry, focusing on trends, consumer behavior, and key players. ### Trends and Consumer Behavior **Early Start and Extended Sales Period:** Black Friday sales have increasingly started earlier in November, with some retailers beginning promotions as early as October. This trend extends the shopping period, allowing consumers more time to take advantage of deals. A survey by {{Walmart}} indicates that 65% of shoppers expect Black Friday deals to start before the traditional day (source: https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2022/11/03/walmart-black-friday-2022). **Online Shopping Surge:** The shift towards online shopping has been significant, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, online Black Friday sales in the U.S. reached $8.9 billion, a 7.5% increase from the previous year (source: https://www.adobe.com/content/dam/cc/en/experience-cloud/docs/adobe-analytics/black-friday-cyber-monday-insights-report-2021.pdf). **Focus on Electronics and Appliances:** Electronics and appliances continue to be among the most sought-after categories during Black Friday. According to a report by {{Best Buy}}, these categories saw a 30% increase in sales during Black Friday 2021 compared to the previous year (source: https://corporate.bestbuy.com/black-friday-2021-results/). ### Key Players Several major retailers dominate the Black Friday scene in the United States: - **{{Walmart}}**: Known for its aggressive pricing and wide range of products, {{Walmart}} is a top destination for Black Friday shoppers. In 2022, {{Walmart}} announced early Black Friday deals starting in early November (source: https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2022/11/03/walmart-black-friday-2022). - **{{Best Buy}}**: Specializing in electronics and appliances, {{Best Buy}} offers significant discounts during Black Friday. Their 2021 sales report highlighted strong performance in these categories (source: https://corporate.bestbuy.com/black-friday-2021-results/). - **{{Amazon}}**: As the largest online retailer, {{Amazon}} plays a crucial role in Black Friday sales. In 2021, {{Amazon}} reported a 6.1% increase in sales during the Black Friday weekend compared to the previous year (source: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/amazon-black-friday-2021-sales). - **{{Target}}**: {{Target}} combines in-store and online shopping experiences, offering competitive Black Friday deals. In 2022, {{Target}} announced early access to deals for its loyalty program members (source: https://corporate.target.com/article/2022/10/target-black-friday-2022). ### Consumer Expectations and Strategies Consumers have high expectations for Black Friday deals, often planning their purchases well in advance. A survey by {{Adobe Analytics}} found that 56% of consumers start researching Black Friday deals a month before the event (source: https://www.adobe.com/content/dam/cc/en/experience-cloud/docs/adobe-analytics/black-friday-cyber-monday-insights-report-2021.pdf). Retailers employ various strategies to attract shoppers, including flash sales, exclusive online deals, and in-store doorbusters. For example, {{Walmart}} introduced "Black Friday Deals for Days" in 2022, spreading out deals over several weeks (source: https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2022/11/03/walmart-black-friday-2022). ### Social Media and Community Insights Discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight consumer experiences and expectations. On r/BlackFriday, users frequently share deal alerts, discuss strategies for maximizing savings, and post about their shopping experiences (source: reddit.com/r/BlackFriday). Similarly, on Twitter, hashtags like #BlackFriday and #BlackFridayDeals are popular for sharing real-time deals and shopping tips. ### Conclusion Black Friday remains a pivotal event in the U.S. retail calendar, characterized by early starts, a focus on online shopping, and significant discounts on electronics and appliances. Key players like {{Walmart}}, {{Best Buy}}, {{Amazon}}, and {{Target}} continue to innovate their Black Friday strategies to meet evolving consumer expectations. BRANDS: ["Walmart", "Best Buy", "Amazon", "Target"] QUESTIONS: 1. When do Black Friday deals typically start? 2

Of course. Here is an industry analysis of Black Friday deals in the United States retail sector. ### Industry Analysis: Black Friday Deals (Retail) in the United States Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has evolved from a single day of deep discounts into a multi-month sales season that is a critical period for the U.S. retail industry. It serves as a key indicator of consumer sentiment and spending strength heading into the holiday season. **1. Evolution and Season Creep** The traditional one-day event has significantly expanded. The concept of "Black November" is now standard, with deals starting as early as October. This is driven by retailers' desire to capture consumer dollars earlier and spread out demand, mitigating logistical challenges. Major retailers now run "Black Friday" deals throughout November, with different waves or "events" leading up to and following the actual day. * **Source:** The National Retail Federation (NRF) discusses the elongation of the holiday season, noting that consumers now start their shopping earlier than ever. [https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/consumers-plan-shop-earlier-ever-holiday-season](https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/consumers-plan-shop-earlier-ever-holiday-season) * **Source:** CNBC reports on major retailers like {{Target}} and {{Walmart}} launching deals in early October. [https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/25/target-walmart-amazon-kick-off-holiday-deals-in-october.html](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/25/target-walmart-amazon-kick-off-holiday-deals-in-october.html) **2. Key Product Categories and Discounting Strategies** Certain product categories are perennial focal points for the deepest discounts. Historically, these include: * **Consumer Electronics:** Televisions, headphones, and smart home devices are major loss leaders. Brands like {{Samsung}}, {{Sony}}, and {{Bose}} are heavily featured. * **Appliances:** Major retailers like {{Home Depot}} and {{Best Buy}} offer significant discounts on large and small appliances. * **Toys:** This is a key battleground, with retailers like {{Target}} and {{Walmart}} using popular toys to drive foot traffic. * **Fashion and Apparel:** Nearly every clothing retailer, from {{Macy's}} to {{Nordstrom}}, participates with store-wide sales. A common consumer criticism, widely discussed on forums like Reddit, is the practice of creating specific, lower-quality model numbers for Black Friday to make discounts appear steeper than they are, particularly in the TV category. * **Source:** An in-depth investigation by *The Wall Street Journal* into "derivative" or special model TVs made for Black Friday. [https://www.wsj.com/articles/your-tvs-black-friday-deal-may-be-less-of-a-bargain-than-it-seems-11607029201](https://www.wsj.com/articles/your-tvs-black-friday-deal-may-be-less-of-a-bargain-than-it-seems-11607029201) * **Source:** Discussion on Reddit's r/BlackFriday community about identifying these specific models. [https://www.reddit.com/r/BlackFriday/](https://www.reddit.com/r/BlackFriday/) **3. The Omnichannel Shift and Cyber Monday Convergence** The rise of e-commerce has fundamentally changed Black Friday. While doorbuster deals still exist, the growth of online shopping has led to the rise of Cyber Monday, which has now effectively merged with Black Friday into a combined event. Retailers now offer the same deals online as in-store, often for a longer duration. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, making online deal-hunting the primary method for many consumers. * **Source:** Adobe Analytics provides annual data on online Black Friday and Cyber Monday spending, highlighting the digital shift. [https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2023/11/27/cyber-monday-drives-12-4-billion-online-spending-record-tying-holiday-season](https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2023/11/27/cyber-monday-drives-12-4-billion-online-spending-record-tying-holiday-season) * **Source:** The Wikipedia entry for Cyber Monday details its history and relationship with Black Friday. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyber_Monday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyber_Monday) **4. Consumer Behavior and Sentiment** Consumer awareness of Black Friday tactics has grown. There is increasing skepticism about the true value of deals, with many consumers using price-tracking tools to verify historical lows. Communities on Reddit (e.g

### **Industry Analysis: Black Friday Deals (Retail) in the United States** Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is one of the biggest shopping events in the U.S., marked by deep discounts across various retail sectors. Retailers leverage aggressive promotions to drive holiday sales, often extending deals online and in-store. Key trends include early Black Friday sales, online exclusives, and doorbuster deals. #### **Key Trends & Insights** 1. **Early Black Friday Sales** – Many retailers, including {{Amazon}} and {{Walmart}}, now start promotions weeks before Black Friday to capture early shoppers (Source: [National Retail Federation](https://nrf.com/)). 2. **Online Shopping Dominance** – E-commerce sales surged during the pandemic, with {{Best Buy}} and {{Target}} reporting significant online traffic (Source: [Adobe Analytics](https://www.adobe.com/analytics/insights.html)). 3. **DoorBuster Deals** – Limited-time, in-store discounts on high-demand items (e.g., electronics, appliances) remain popular (Source: [BlackFriday.com](https://blackfriday.com/)). 4. **Social Media Influence** – Platforms like Reddit (e.g., [r/BlackFridayDeals](https://www.reddit.com/r/BlackFridayDeals/)) and Twitter (now X) help shoppers track the best deals. 5. **Retailer Strategies** – {{Home Depot}} and {{Lowe’s}} focus on appliance discounts, while {{Apple}} offers rare Black Friday promotions (Source: [Retail Dive](https://www.retaildive.com/)). #### **Consumer Behavior** - Shoppers prioritize electronics, fashion, and home goods. - Price comparison tools (e.g., {{Honey}} browser extension) are widely used (Source: [PCMag](https://www.pcmag.com/)). - Scams and fake deals are a concern, with warnings from the {{Better Business Bureau}} (Source: [BBB.org](https://www.bbb.org/)). #### **Industry Challenges** - Supply chain disruptions can limit inventory (Source: [Supply Chain Dive](https://www.supplychaindive.com/)). - Competition from international retailers (e.g., {{AliExpress}} flash sales). ### **BRANDS:** ["Amazon", "Walmart", "Best Buy", "Target", "Home Depot", "Lowe’s", "Apple", "Honey", "AliExpress", "Better Business Bureau"] ### **QUESTIONS:** 1. **What are the best Black Friday deals for electronics in 2024?** 2. **Which retailers offer early Black Friday sales this year?** 3. **How do I avoid scams during Black Friday shopping?** 4. **Are Black Friday deals better in-store or online?** 5. **What are the top Black Friday discounts for home appliances?** 6. **Do Black Friday deals start before Thanksgiving?** 7. **Which brands have the best Black Friday deals on fashion?**

### Industry Analysis: Black Friday Deals (Retail) in the United States Black Friday remains the most significant retail event in the United States, driving record-breaking sales and shaping consumer shopping behaviors. The 2024 Black Friday saw U.S. consumers spend $10.8 billion online, a 10.2% increase from 2023’s $9.8 billion, marking the highest single-day online sales figure ever recorded (Adobe) [1, 2, 3]. Globally, Black Friday 2024 generated $74.4 billion in online sales, up 5% from the previous year [1, 2]. #### Consumer Behavior and Shopping Trends - **In-store and Online Shopping:** In 2024, 81.7 million consumers shopped in stores, the highest in-person turnout since the pandemic, while 87.3 million shopped online [1, 2]. This reflects a continued shift toward omnichannel retail, with many consumers blending both experiences [1]. - **Mobile Dominance:** Mobile shopping accounted for 54.47% of total Black Friday sales, highlighting the importance of mobile-optimized retail platforms [1]. - **Peak Spending:** Online spending peaked between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with consumers spending an average of $11.3 million per minute [1]. - **Average Cart Value:** The average cart value was $110.71, indicating sustained consumer willingness to spend despite economic pressures [1]. #### Retailer Performance and Market Leaders - **{{Shopify}} merchants achieved $4.1 billion in sales, a 22% increase from the previous year, with sales peaking at $4.6 million per minute at 12:01 p.m. EST [1].** - **{{Amazon}}, {{Walmart}}, and {{Target}} consistently rank among the top retailers for Black Friday deals, offering deep discounts across electronics, apparel, and home goods [1, 2, 3]. - **{{Best Buy}} and {{Apple}} are major players in electronics, often leading with exclusive Black Friday offers [2, 3].** #### Projected Trends for 2025 - **Sales Growth:** Black Friday 2025 is projected to surpass $11.7 billion in U.S. online sales, representing an 8.3%–8.7% year-over-year increase [2, 3]. - **Cyber Monday:** Expected to remain the largest online shopping day, with sales projected to reach $14.2 billion [3]. - **Holiday Weekend:** The Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday weekend is forecast to attract 186.9 million shoppers in 2025, up from 183.4 million in 2024 [4]. - **Spending Patterns:** Holiday sales for November and December are expected to exceed $1 trillion, though growth may slow compared to previous years due to economic factors and fewer deep discounts [4]. #### Product Categories and Consumer Preferences - **Top Gift Categories:** Electronics, apparel, and home goods remain the most popular, with gift cards, food, candy, and personal care/beauty items also ranking highly [2]. - **Discount Strategies:** Retailers are increasingly offering early deals and extended sale periods to capture consumer interest before and after Black Friday [2, 3]. #### Key Industry Reports and Sources - Adobe Digital Economy Index: https://statistics.blackfriday [1] - Salesforce Black Friday Insights: https://queue-it.com/blog/black-friday-statistics/ [2] - Hostinger Black Friday Trends: https://www.hostinger.com/tutorials/black-friday-statistics [3] - National Retail Federation (NRF) Projections: https://thedailyrecord.com/2025/11/26/black-friday-2025-shoppers-deals/ [4] - Driver Research Consumer Insights: https://www.driveresearch.com/market-research-company-blog/black-friday-holiday-shopping-statistics/ [5] --- BRANDS: ["{{Shopify}}", "{{Amazon}}", "{{Walmart}}", "{{Target}}", "{{Best Buy}}", "{{Apple}}"] QUESTIONS: 1. What are the best Black Friday deals for electronics? 2. Which stores have the biggest Black Friday discounts? 3. When do Black Friday deals start online? 4. Are Black Friday deals better online or in-store? 5. What are the top Black Friday deals for home appliances? 6. How can I find exclusive Black Friday deals for my favorite brands? 7. What are the most popular Black Friday deals for gift cards? Sources: - https://statistics.blackfriday - https://queue-it.com/blog/black-friday-statistics/ - https://www.hostinger.com/tutorials/black-friday-statistics - https://thedailyrecord.com/2025/11/26/black-friday-2025-shoppers-deals/ - https://www.driveresearch.com/market-research-company-blog/black-friday-holiday-shopping-statistics/