Black Friday is no longer just about early morning lines and crowded stores. With the rise of online shopping and the impact of inflation, the shopping landscape is changing. Retail giants like Walmart, Amazon, Target, and Macy’s have adapted to these shifts by starting their Black Friday sales early.
Walmart kicked off a two-week-long Black Friday sale on November 11th, offering discounts on a wide range of products from TVs to toys. Amazon also joined the early Black Friday trend with its Black Friday Week deals, while Home Depot’s savings will last until December 4th.
While many consumers are opting for online deals, there are still some exclusive in-store offers to look out for. Target, for example, will be launching Taylor Swift’s new book exclusively in stores on Black Friday.
Despite the changing shopping habits, the National Retail Federation predicts that holiday sales will still reach nearly $1 trillion in November and December. However, the impact of inflation on consumer spending is noticeable. The rate of spending growth is expected to be around 3%, the slowest increase since 2018.
The combination of early sales, online shopping trends, and inflationary pressures is reshaping the Black Friday experience for both retailers and consumers. As we navigate through these changes, it’s clear that the holiday shopping season is evolving in response to the current economic environment.
