Black Friday shoppers spend record $9.8 billion in U.S.

In a shopping spree that shattered records, Black Friday 2023 saw U.S. e-commerce spending skyrocket by 7.5% year-over-year, hitting an unprecedented $9.8 billion.

Despite the enthusiasm, consumers remain price-sensitive and are navigating tighter budgets due to last year's record inflation and interest rates. Notably, $79 million in sales were attributed to the "buy now, pay later" flexible payment method, marking a 47% increase from the previous year.

$5.3 billion could come from mobile impulse purchases

This surge reflects a heightened willingness among consumers to open their wallets compared to the previous year, fueled in part by impulsive purchases, with $5.3 billion stemming from mobile shopping.

Electronics, including smartwatches and TVs, along with toys and games dominated the best-selling categories, while home repair tools underperformed, with consumers gravitating towards products offering the most enticing discounts.

As retailers gear up for the continuing shopping frenzy, "Cyber Monday" is anticipated to retain its status as the largest online shopping day of the quarter and possibly the entire year, with transactions expected to reach a staggering $12 billion, representing a 6.1% year-on-year increase.

Amazon announces Black Friday sale date

Major players like Amazon have strategically positioned themselves in this retail maelstrom, announcing Black Friday sales well in advance. The sales extravaganza spans from November 17th to November 27th in the U.S., Canada, and several European countries, showcasing substantial discounts across diverse categories. Amazon has optimized the consumer experience, offering personalized recommendations, discounts on previously purchased items, and even leveraging voice assistant technology through Alexa for personalized discount notifications.

Meanwhile, TikTok Shop also made waves during Black Friday, reporting remarkable sales results. In the U.S., from November 14th to November 20th, order volume surged by 205%, featuring best-sellers such as digital touch screen photo frames and plush carpets. In the UK, a 142% increase in order volume showcased popular items like plush carpets and large-capacity cosmetic storage boxes.

Amid this shopping frenzy, merchants need to pay special attention to one key challenge: how to enhance order fulfillment to meet consumer expectations. The surge in online sales makes it crucial to have an efficient and flexible approach, as it affects not only the speed of order fulfillment but also the overall customer experience. Enabling door-to-door product delivery and enhancing the overall user experience are no longer optional but necessary for success.

To effectively address this challenge, partnering with a dedicated fulfillment service provider such as Chinadivision is a solution worth considering. A strong order fulfillment process is a key link in ensuring that items are delivered smoothly from the virtual shopping cart to consumers’ homes, which directly affects consumer satisfaction and loyalty.

With the arrival of the holiday shopping season, merchants need to have keen market insights and adaptability, and are committed to providing consumers with an unparalleled shopping experience. By partnering with professional fulfillment service providers such as Chinadivision, merchants can better meet consumer demands and seize this rare market opportunity.

Frequently asked questions about Black Friday

Is Black Friday the same time every year?

Black Friday shopping occurs the weekend after Thanksgiving, which is always the last weekend in November, so in 2023 it falls on Friday, November 24th.

How long will most Black Friday deals last?

While most Black Friday deals last for the entire 24 hours of Black Friday, retailers vary. Some may offer flash sales or flash sales. Some retailers may extend Black Friday deals into the weekend

How many times a year does Black Friday occur?

Black Friday only happens once a year. However, there are different sales throughout the year that use the term "Black Friday" in their slogans.

Is Black Friday the best time to shop?

Black Friday offers the best discounts of the year on nearly every product category, from tech and toys to clothing and home essentials.