Shoppers spent 6% more this holiday weekend than they did last year. This is an example of solid proof that the economy is getting better. Also, more people shopped this year - 212 million up from 195 million. This is the highest number of thanksgiving shoppers since 2004 when the National Retail Federation began reporting statistics.
Sales for discretionary items instead of bargain value items helped push up the sales totals. Online sales were also up by 33% from last year.
I think this is solid proof that marketing strategies by many companies to offer "pre black friday" sales was indeed an effective one. It would be interesting though to see how this year's black friday compared to last year's as this would compare only that one day of selling.
ReplyDeleteyeah, and I bought several stuffs on Thanksgiving too...
ReplyDeleteThe increase in consumption is a good sign of economic growth. Hopefully, this will lead to an increase in demand for goods and services, which should end up creating more jobs and lowering the high rates of unemployment.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if all the promotions the stores are offering to entice consumer spending will continue once the American consumer's confidence returns to its typical numbers. 90% confidence is considered a healthy economy; the USA is currently at 54%. To say the least, we have a long way to go.
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