Thanksgiving Amid Inflation: Online Spending Soars 5% as Cautious Consumers Embrace Digital Deals

This article examines the shift in consumer behaviors during Thanksgiving, highlighting a significant 5% increase in online spending despite inflationary concerns. It explores how consumers are more cautious, turning to online platforms and AI for bargains. Traditional Black Friday shopping experiences a decline in in-store turnout.

American consumers favored online shopping over in-store visits during the Thanksgiving period this year, leading to a 5% increase in online expenditure, amid ongoing inflationary pressures. More people opted to shop from the comfort of their homes, avoiding the past fervor of Black Friday crowds.

Despite early positive online sales data, physical retail sites reported a quieter Black Friday as people adhered to tighter budgets due to economic concerns. "I'm being much more careful," shared Grace Curbelo, a shopper cautious about the uncertain economic outlook and potential debt.

Adobe Analytics reported a year-over-year online spending rise to $6.4 billion on Thanksgiving. The data also revealed AI use skyrocketed in online retail interactions. European resistance movements disrupted physical retail as Amazon warehouse strikes occurred in Germany, with protests at Zara stores in Spain.

(With inputs from agencies.)