Online Holiday Sales Up as Foot Traffic Declines Heading into Cyber Monday
Shoppers Flock Online, Avoid Stores
According to early data returns, online holiday sales from this weekend are up, but foot traffic in stores continues to decline. So, how did shoppers around Chicagoland handle holiday shopping over the last 48 hours?
Couples and Sisters Take Advantage of Deals
Karen and Dennis Kelley, who have been married for 42 years, braved the cold to shop at the Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie. “I’m just the bag holder,” Dennis Kelley said, while Karen added, “It’s not raining or snowing, so it’s beautiful.” The couple wasn’t going to let freezing temperatures stop them from enjoying each other’s company on one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year.
Gianna Krygier and her sister, Mackenzie Bucaro, also went to the mall excited to get their hands on holiday deals. “I just got a couple of gifts, like the sales were really nice,” Krygier said.
Data Shows Decline in In-Store Traffic
Across the board, not as many people went out shopping for Black Friday, according to Sensormatic Solution’s ShopperTrak analytics. Data showed in-store traffic went down 3.9% from November 24 through Black Friday, while in-store visits were down 8.2% from what they were in 2023.
Online Sales See Significant Increase
According to software company SalesForce, online sales in the United States on Black Friday were up 7% compared to last year, when online sales pulled in $17.5 billion. While SalesForce’s data show plenty of people are taking advantage of virtual bargains, Karen Kelley said it’s a trend she doesn’t plan on joining. “I can’t shop online,” Karen Kelley said. “I like to get out to see the items and feel the items and talk to people.”
Conclusion
As the holiday season continues, it’s clear that online shopping is becoming a preferred method for many consumers. With online sales seeing a significant increase and in-store traffic declining, retailers will need to adapt to this new trend to stay competitive. For those who prefer the traditional shopping experience, there’s still time to get out and enjoy the holiday deals.
FAQs
Q: What was the decline in in-store traffic compared to last year?
A: In-store traffic went down 3.9% from November 24 through Black Friday, while in-store visits were down 8.2% from what they were in 2023.
Q: What was the increase in online sales compared to last year?
A: Online sales in the United States on Black Friday were up 7% compared to last year, when online sales pulled in $17.5 billion.
Q: Why did Karen Kelley prefer to shop in-store?
A: Karen Kelley said she prefers to shop in-store because she likes to get out to see the items and feel the items and talk to people.
