Ronda Deal woke up early on Black Friday to find that the shopping experience was not as exciting as it used to be. She recalled waiting in line at 1 a.m. in previous years, only to discover that stores didn’t open until 6 a.m. at the Walmart Supercenter on Serene Avenue in Las Vegas.
In the technology section of the store, there were great deals on televisions, including a Vizio 75-inch, 4K Smart TV priced at $478, down from its original price of $598. Danine McDougall, a shopper from Canada who spends winters in Henderson, was impressed by the Black Friday deals in America compared to those in her home country. She noted that while the deals were better, the fluctuating dollar exchange rate made shopping a bit tricky for her.
According to Burt Flickinger, owner of Strategic Resource Group, this year’s Black Friday shoppers are facing financial challenges. While some with white-collar jobs on Wall Street may find it easier to shop, blue-collar workers, seniors, students, and those on limited incomes are struggling. Flickinger predicts a shift in retail trends in the coming years, with more stores closing and prices decreasing.
Despite the economic challenges, a record number of shoppers are expected to participate in Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping. The National Retail Federation survey estimates that 183.4 million people will shop online and in-person between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. Holiday spending is projected to reach nearly $1 trillion, with a significant portion coming from online and non-store shopping.
Safety concerns and fear of crime have also influenced shopping trends, with many consumers opting to shop online rather than in-person. Retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and Target are investing in security measures to ensure a safe shopping experience for customers.
While online shopping is convenient, some shoppers still prefer in-person deals. Target’s exclusive offerings, including Taylor Swift’s new album merchandise, have drawn crowds to the stores. Fans like Stefanie Hafen were able to snag exclusive vinyls and CDs from Target, thanks to deals like buy two, get one free on CDs and vinyls.
Overall, this year’s Black Friday shopping experience reflects a shift in consumer behavior and shopping trends. Despite economic challenges and safety concerns, retailers are adapting to meet the changing needs of their customers. As the holiday shopping season continues, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve.
