US Black Friday Spending in Stores and Online Rose 3.4% Year-Over-Year, Data Show.

New York: Black Friday spending in U.S. retail stores was muted this year in contrast to a more robust rise online, as bargain-hungry Americans skipped stores in favor of their phones and laptops, according to data from Mastercard and other data providers. Sales at brick-and-mortar stores grew just 0.7% year-over-year, according to preliminary estimates by payments processor Mastercard, and were lower according to data firm Facteus.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the overall spending for Black Friday in the United States saw a 3.4% increase compared to the previous year. This indicates a shift in consumer behavior, with more shoppers opting for the convenience of online shopping over traditional in-store purchases. The data highlights a significant trend in retail, where the digital marketplace continues to gain prominence over physical store locations.

The modest growth in physical store sales contrasts sharply with the surge in online spending, suggesting that retailers may need to further adapt th
eir strategies to capture the growing online market. The data reflects ongoing changes in consumer preferences, possibly accelerated by recent global events that have encouraged more people to shop from the safety and comfort of their homes.

Retailers have been increasingly focusing on their online platforms to meet this demand, investing in improved digital infrastructures and offering attractive online deals. The shift in Black Friday shopping patterns underscores the importance for businesses to balance both online and in-store experiences to cater to the evolving needs of consumers.