Summary
This year's Black Friday shopping event is taking place amid concerns about the U.S. economy, with shoppers focused on finding good deals. Retailers remain hopeful as consumer spending continues despite worries about the economy. Many stores have adjusted to tariff impacts by managing inventory and pricing.
Key Facts
- Black Friday still attracts the most shoppers in stores compared to any other day of the year in the U.S.
- U.S. consumer confidence has dropped due to the recent government shutdown, weak job growth, and ongoing inflation.
- Retailers report that customers are careful with spending but will pay more for significant occasions.
- Many shoppers, like those at Macy's in New York, were drawn by discounts of 40% to 50% on items like shoes and clothes.
- Some customers, such as Veronica Nam, note the challenges of finding the best prices because of factors like tariffs and inflation.
- Nicholas Menasche, a shopper in New York, plans to spend around the same amount as last year despite economic concerns.
- Retailers faced challenges from the Trump administration's tariffs, leading some to adjust shipments or absorb costs.
- Nearly 80% of toys sold in the U.S. come from China, and prices on many items have risen due to tariffs.
