Politics
Thanksgiving holiday brings out a record high number of shoppers, retail survey says
A record-high 186.9 million Americans are looking for shopping deals over Thanksgiving holiday break.
The Turkey Trot was run, the Thanksgiving dinner eaten and the football game watched.
Now it’s time to shop.
A record-high 186.9 million Americans — about 3 million more than last year — are planning to shop over the Thanksgiving holiday break, according to a survey from the National Retail Federation.
“The annual Black Friday shopping weekend holds great hope for Florida retail stores, and this year looks to be merry and bright,” said Scott Shalley, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation in a press release. “Retailers are ready with extra team members and an abundance of deals to serve eager shoppers.”
The biggest shopping day is Black Friday with 70% of shoppers surveyed saying they planned to look for deals.
The next busiest shopping day is Cyber Monday with 40% of consumers planning to shop followed by Small Business Saturday that was created to support local businesses.
“Many Americans consider shopping to be an important part of their Thanksgiving holiday and one of the best ways to get deals on gifts,” Prosper Insights and Analytics Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said in the press release. “Of those planning to take advantage of sales, over half say it’s because the deals are too good to pass up. Others point to the tradition or simply say they like to start their holiday shopping during the long weekend.”
People like to buy their holiday gifts before December rolls around. About 58% of consumers said they had already started shopping by early November.
Clothing and accessories are the most common gifts with 50% of consumers saying that’s what they are planning to give this year followed by gift cards and toys.
The survey found Floridians aren’t being Grinches this year.
About two-thirds surveyed said they wanted to “embrace the spirit of giving” and help charities by giving money to a charity, donate items to a charity or buy from retailers that help social causes, the press release said.