According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, shoppers both online and in stores between Thursday and Sunday jumped 8.7 percent to 212 million. The total spent was around $45 billion, with the average spend rising 6.4 percent to $365.34.
“While Black Friday weekend is not always an indicator of holiday season performance, retailers should be encouraged that a focus on value and discretionary gifts has shoppers in the spirit to spend,” said Matthew Shay, NRF president and chief executive officer. “As retailers look ahead to the first few weeks of December, it will be important for them to keep momentum going.”
Meanwhile, ShopperTrak said that sales on Black Friday only rose 0.3 percent to $10.69 billion while traffic increased 2.2 percent. They attribute this to sales and promotions in the first half of November, diminishing the returns for malls during the biggest shopping weekend of the month.
“This means the American shopper has adapted to the economic climate over the last couple of years and is possibly spending more wisely as the holiday season begins,” said ShopperTrak founder Bill Martin.
Source: Wall Street Journal
