Black Friday sales in the U.S. increased by 3.4% this year, as consumers sought bargains amid inflationary pressures, according to Mastercard's SpendingPulse data. Retail sales, excluding automotive, showed this growth without adjusting for inflation. In-store sales rose by 0.7%, indicating challenges for retailers in attracting price-sensitive shoppers. E-commerce was a standout, with online sales surging 14.6% compared to the previous year.
Adobe Inc. reported that U.S. e-commerce sales hit a record $10.8 billion on Black Friday. However, Sensormatic Solutions data showed an 8.2% drop in in-store foot traffic. Retailers like Walmart extended their Black Friday deals, with Apple AirPods and Roku TVs among the top sellers. Home Depot and Best Buy offered discounts on a range of products, while Target saw success with exclusive Taylor Swift merchandise.
Despite some dissatisfaction with in-store deals, many consumers found online offers more convenient and cost-effective.
