Black Friday Paradox: Bigger Crowds, Smaller Spending
. NEW YORK,: Black Friday, the post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy once defined by pre-dawn lines and “doorbuster” deals on electronics and appliances, drew record crowds this year — but consumers brought thinner wallets. Black Friday has grown into a cultural phenomenon since the late 1980s. But despite growing foot traffic, shoppers’ willingness to spend is waning, posing a challenge for retailers who rely on the holiday season for nearly a third of annual profits. According to the National Retail Federation, nearly two-thirds of consumers plan to wait for Thanksgiving weekend deals, down from 59% last year, while average spending is projected
