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☆ Shoppers continue indulging in Black Friday sales, but mostly online
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-01 | by ( Auzinea Bacon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

In-store and online retail sales saw a 3.4% increase year-over-year on Black Friday, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse. According to Mastercard, online sales were up 14.6% from last year. Despite warm weather lasting longer into the fall, apparel was popular with online shoppers. According to Adobe Analytics, online shoppers spent $10.8 billion on Friday compared to $9.8 billion in 2023. Shopify, an e-commerce site, reported that it set a new record for its Black Friday sales, which reached $5 billion globally.

Persons: ”, Steve Sadove, “, —, don’t, Bagenal, Netflix’s, CNN’s Fredricka Whitfield Organizations: CNN, Mastercard SpendingPulse, Mastercard, Adobe Analytics, Shoppers, Adobe, National Retail Federation

☆ The hottest luxury fashion brands that customers should buy before everyone else does, according to The RealReal
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-01 | by ( Jordan Hart | Madeline Berg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

AdvertisementSecondhand luxury platform The RealReal has a trove of data about the hottest brands. AdvertisementThese are the hottest brands to buy this season to be on-trend — and avoid overpaying for — next year, according to Naiman and Sciacca. Brands like Miu Miu and Loewe will continue to be popularMiu Miu is a favorite, and it's showing no signs of slowing down. Searches are surging on The RealReal, particularly for the brand's bags and sunglasses, with queries up 100% and 212% year-over-year, Sciacca said. The label's Puzzle Tote "is selling for an impressive 90% of its original price, while searches for the Flamenco bag have jumped 87% year-over-year," Sciacca said.

Persons: Kristen Naiman, Noelle Sciacca, Naiman, —, Christian Vierig, Sciacca, Romeo Gigli Romeo Gigli, Alena Zakirova, Romeo Gigli, Omondi, Miu Miu, Loewe, Jeremy Moeller, Daniele Venturelli, Ralph Lauren, Alaïa Ralph Lauren, Charly TRIBALLEAU, Alaïa Organizations: Bally Bally, Bally, Business, Brands Locations: Swiss

Shop all Quince Cyber Monday deals. The best Quince Cyber Monday dealsFAQs about the Quince Cyber Monday saleWhen does the sale start and end? Due to their already low prices, Quince rarely goes on sale. Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Cyber Monday deals.

Persons: it's, Quince Organizations: Business, DTC

☆ Why Lululemon Is Thriving in China
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-01 | by ( Maria Noyen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

AdvertisementLululemon has seen sales slide in North America, but it's thriving in China. But in China, changing health habits and a struggling luxury sector are helping to boost sales. China is in its health and wellness era, offering Lululemon a ray of hope as the brand struggles to engage consumers back in the US and Canada, where it was founded. Yet, over in China, Lululemon is on the up and up. Lululemon is resonating with Chinese consumers who are in their health and wellness era.

Persons: Lululemon, Budrul Chukrut, China Martin Roll, Zhang Chunlei, Roll, Zers, Olivia Plotnick, WGSN, Plotnick, influencers Organizations: Lululemon, Getty, McKinsey, Wai Locations: North America, China, Canada, Xinhua, Shanghai, Asia

☆ Cheap and almost hangover-free — why the teeny, tiny martini is trending
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-01 | by ( Maria Noyen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

AdvertisementAnd once you start noticing them on bar menus, it can quickly start to feel like the tiny martini is everywhere. Related storiesTayēr and Elementary's tiny martini debuted in 2019, but a bar representative told BI: "These days, there is literally no table that wouldn't order them." Teeny, tiny moments of luxuryAnother factor favoring the popularity of the mini martini is a heightened demand for luxury experiences. Tiny martinis might still scratch the itch for a special moment, Flynn added. "What it offers," she said, "is that feeling of a mini luxury moment."

Persons: IWSR, Tao, Missy Flynn, gilda, Gen Zers, Valentina, Valentina Tiny martinis, Gen Zer's, Claudine Ben, Zenou, Flynn, There's, gilda —, Claudia D'Arpizio Organizations: Pew Research Center, Bain, Bain & Company Locations: New York City, London, Side's, Tayēr, Rita's, American, London's Soho

☆ Romanians vote in parliamentary election amid turmoil over claims of Russian interference in presidential race
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-01 | by ( Associated Press | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

BUCHAREST, Romania Associated Press —Romanians cast ballots Sunday in a parliamentary election sandwiched between a two-round presidential race, the first of which has plunged the European Union and NATO member into unprecedented turmoil following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference. By 5 p.m., about 7.5 million people – about 42% of eligible voters – had cast ballots, according to the Central Election Bureau. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, predicted the general election could also be reshaped by Georgescu’s success, with far-right parties possibly obtaining record highs. “The impact of the surprise in last Sunday’s presidential election will be significant, and we are going to wake up in a new political reality,” he told The Associated Press. Some have predicted that the far-right nationalist S.O.S Romania party, and the little-known Party of Young People, which has backed Georgescu, could pass the threshold.

Persons: –, Calin Georgescu, Elena Lasconi, Vladimir Putin, Alexandru Rizescu, ”, “, Georgescu, it’s, Andrei Pungovschi, Cristian Andrei, “ Georgescu, Marcel Ciolacu, ” Georgescu, ” “, Andreea Alexandru, Silviu Organizations: Press, European Union, NATO, Bureau, Save, Save Romania Union, Constitutional, Sunday, Associated Press, Social Democratic Party, PSD, National Liberal Party, PNL, ”, Alliance, Unity, REPER, Force, of Young Locations: BUCHAREST, Romania, Save Romania, Europe, Izvorani, Bucharest, TikTok, Russia, Romanian, EU, Sens

Factor in a sale, like UGG's Cyber Monday deals, and the frenzy is inculpable. Beyond UGG's footwear, this Cyber Monday you'll find discounted UGG apparel, like loungewear and accessories, for creating complete cozy ensembles. The best UGG Cyber Monday dealsUGG New Heights Clog $90.99 $130.00 Save 30% The New Heights suede clogs are a prime example of "cottagecore" fall fashion. View at ZapposUGG Women's Anabella Reversible Robe $116.99 $168.00 Save 30% Year after year, I keep reaching for my UGG Robe. View at ZapposFAQs on the UGG Cyber Monday saleWhen does the sale start and end?

Organizations: Business, UGG Locations: UGG, Zappos, United States

SKIP AHEAD Best Black Friday deals still live | More Black Friday sales | How I picked the best Black Friday deals | Why trust NBC Select? 4.6-star average rating from 10,937 reviews on AmazonLowest price everI use these wireless earbuds every day while running, commuting and taking calls. 4.6-star average rating from 3,769 reviews on AmazonKiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is one of my go-to moisturizers year round. 4.6-star average rating from 142,752 reviews on AmazonThis water flosser cleans gums and removes plaque from teeth, similar to standard floss. All the deals I recommend are at least 20% off and highly rated with at least a 4.0-star average rating from hundreds of reviews.

Persons: who’s, Bissell, “, ”, Rebecca Rodriguez, Lindsay Schneider, you’ll, Siri, Harry Rabinowitz, Josh Rios, shea, It’s, Mili Godio, Peacock, Bean, Alo, Tommy John, Merrell, Jones, Hedley, Bennett, Rocco, Diggs, I’ve, TikTok Organizations: Walmart, Target, Costco, NBC, Alexa, Apple Pay, beechwood, Amazon, Proteins, Bluetooth, HBO, NBC News, Paramount, Showtime, Hulu, Disney, ESPN, Dover, MacBook Air, Target Samsung, Samsung, Nintendo, Asus, Logitech, Bala, Cyber, Wellness, Bath, Giftable Tech, Facebook, Twitter Locations: Chaco

I regularly cover big shopping events as a contributor for NBC Select, combing through the best deals and prices to present shoppers with the very best Black Friday TV deals — as a TV tester and reviewer, I know what’s really worth buying and what’s best left on the shelf. SKIP AHEAD Best Black Friday TV deals | Black Friday TV accessories | More Black Friday TV sales | How I picked the best Black Friday TV deals | Why trust NBC Select? Best Black Friday TV dealsI found, vetted and wrote about every deal I recommend below. 4.8-star average rating from 167 reviews on Best BuyThis 65-inch Samsung TV has a near-perfect review score on Best Buy, and a steep discount in this year’s Black Friday TV deals. More Black Friday TV salesHere are the best Black Friday TV sales to know about.

Persons: I’ll, you’ll, It’s, I’m, TikTok Organizations: Apple, NBC, Black, Amazon LG, LG, Samsung, Fire, Sony, Google, Friday, Bose, Bluetooth, ARC, Target Walmart, Wellness, Bath, Giftable Tech, CNET, Facebook, Twitter

☆ I founded a bike company and have built my net worth to $30 million. Leaving too much money to my sons would make their lives less rich.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-30 | by ( Kelly Burch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

AdvertisementRyan McFarland created Strider Bikes when his son Bode was 2. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ryan McFarland, the founder of Strider Bikes. AdvertisementThe boys both work for my company but don't report to meToday both boys work at Strider, but they don't report to me. AdvertisementThe boys know the real impact business can haveIt has always been important to me that the boys could be involved with the business. In the early days, they modeled the bikes for advertisements and demoed Strider bikes at events.

Persons: Ryan McFarland, Bode, Jesse, Ryan, We've, we've, I've, they've, Jess, They've, Strider Organizations: Strider Locations: Japan

☆ Return fraud is costing retailers billions. A new AI program can spot when scammers send back counterfeits.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-30 | by ( Lakshmi Varanasi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Return fraud costs retailers billions, with billions lost globally. Amazon and other retailers face scams exploiting return policies for financial gain. French luxury brand Lacoste is using Vrai, an AI technology developed by Cypheme, a leader in anti-counterfeit artificial intelligence, to catch scammers returning counterfeit items. Some companies have even received boxes full of bricks after customers banked refunds for items like televisions. US retailers lost a little over $100 billion in return fraud, or around $13.70 for every $100 returned, up from $10.40 per $100 in 2022.

Persons: knockoffs, Cypheme Organizations: Lacoste, Cypheme, National Retail Federation, Appriss Retail, Amazon, Walmart, Target

☆ For big-box retailers, one of the longest-running experiments is shrinking
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-30 | by ( Kevin Williams | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Target, Macy's, Nordstrom, and others have experimented with small format stores over the past decade. For Ikea, the smaller format stores are part of bringing the brand to where their customers are. Two more smaller format Ikeas opened this autumn, one in Alpharetta, Georgia, and the other in South Charlotte, North Carolina, bringing the total to 11. "The move to smaller stores is logical when we look at the layout of the large-format stores. Macy's has been trying to break free from the mall with smaller format stores for their Macy's and Bloomingdale's brands.

Persons: Nordstrom, Kmart's, Roger McMahon, McMahon, Mary Rhodes, Barbara Snedegar, I'm, Snedegar, Macy's Organizations: Walmart, Ikea, Ikea U.S, Pepperdine University's Graziadio Business, Retailers, Brands, Macy's Locations: Gaithersburg , Maryland, U.S, Miami, Alpharetta , Georgia, South Charlotte, North Carolina, Texas, Cincinnati

☆ Unclaimed Baggage: Inside the Alabama store that sells the contents of lost suitcases
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-30 | by ( Faith Karimi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

Inside the 50,000 square-foot space, rows of clothes, shoes, books, electronics and other inventory from lost suitcases stretch as far as the eye can see. Austin Steele/CNNOutfits by costume designer Ret Turner are displayed at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Alabama. If lost suitcases cannot be reunited with their owners within four months, they are shipped to the Unclaimed Baggage store. Austin Steele/CNNThe Unclaimed Baggage store sells watches left in suitcases, in carry-on luggage and in the plane's seat pockets. The store once sold a Rolex watch for $32,000Andolyn Parrish, 28, from Nashville, poses with her shopping cart at the Unclaimed Baggage store.

Persons: Alabama CNN — Vee, Aronds, Tinker Bell, Disney’s “ Peter Pan ”, Bryan Owens, she’d, “, ”, Frederick Stewart, Austin Steele, CNN Vee Aronds, Owens ’, Doyle Owens, ‘, ’ ” Bryan Owens, Owens, Ret Turner, It’s, Sonni Hood, ” Austin Steele, Hood, Michael Ciaglo, United, Wade Dubose, Joni Mitchell, ” Owens, Daniel Scheinert, ” Wade Dubose, Dubose, Andolyn Parrish, CNN Andolyn Parrish, Louis Vuitton, there’s, ” Hood, hasn’t, ” Stewart chuckled, “ I’m Organizations: Alabama CNN, CNN, Trailways, Scottsboro, Nikon, NASA, ”, US . Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Denver International Airport, Tech, United Airlines, Southwest —, Thrift, Louis, Rolex, Atlanta, Lions Club Locations: Scottsboro, Alabama, Ooltewah , Tennessee, Washington ,, Scottsboro , Alabama, Southwest, Nashville

☆ Big Lots is closing more than 200 stores across 41 states. Here's the full list.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-30 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

AdvertisementDiscount retailer Big Lots has received court approval to sell itself to Nexus Capital Management. Here is the combined list of 228 locations slated to close across 41 US states. The Big Lots location near you might be on the chopping block. "The sale to Nexus Capital, which is something of a stalking horse bid, gives certainty that the chain will survive in some form." AdvertisementTo check if your nearby Big Lots will be impacted, you can check the combined list of 228 locations set to close across 41 US states.

Persons: Neil Saunders Organizations: Nexus Capital Management, Data, Nexus Capital Locations: Angeles, Alabama

☆ Online Black Friday spending is on track to break a record this year, despite inflation
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-30 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

AdvertisementAdobe reports record $7.9 billion in online spending on Black Friday so far, up 8.2% from 2023. Americans continued to spend on Black Friday after strong Thanksgiving sales numbers, even despite inflation concerns. Adobe's initial Black Friday e-commerce data reveals consumers spent $7.9 billion online this Black Friday through 6:30 p.m. This Thanksgiving, consumers spent $6.1 billion online, up 8.8% from last year's $5.6 billion. Adobe projects $40.6 billion in online spending this Cyber Week and $240.8 billion in total holiday spending.

Persons: Vivek Pandya, Pandya Organizations: Adobe, PlayStation, Adobe Digital, Retail, Washington Post, Consumers, Sporting

SKIP AHEAD Best Black Friday deals | More Black Friday sales | How I found the best Black Friday deals | Why trust NBC Select? 4.6-star average rating from 10,937 reviews on AmazonLowest price everI use these wireless earbuds every day while running, commuting and taking calls. 4.5-star average rating from 10,174 reviews on AmazonUsing this kitchen gadget helps you speed up prep time while cooking. Best Black Friday salesHere are the best Black Friday sales to know about. All the deals I recommend are at least 20% off and highly rated with at least a 4.0-star average rating from hundreds of reviews.

Persons: you’ve, won’t, who’s, Bissell, “, ”, Rebecca Rodriguez, you’ll, Harry Rabinowitz, Siri, Josh Rios, shea, It’s, Mili Godio, Peacock, Bean, Alo, sitewide, Jones, Hedley, Bennett, Rocco, Diggs, I’ve, TikTok Organizations: Black, NBC, Alexa, Apple Pay, beechwood, Amazon, Proteins, Bluetooth, HBO, NBC News, Paramount, Showtime, Hulu, Disney, ESPN, Dover, MacBook Air, Target Samsung, Samsung, Nintendo, Asus, Bala, Cyber, Wellness, Bath, Giftable Tech, Facebook, Twitter

An Arizona produce company is recalling all sizes of its whole, fresh American cucumbers in 26 states and parts of Canada because they could be contaminated with salmonella, it said. Recalled cucumbers from SunFed were also sold in parts of Canada. "As soon as we learned of this issue, we immediately acted to protect consumers," SunFed President Craig Slate said in a statement. Cucumbers also were recalled earlier this year in South Florida, where at least 551 people were likely sickened by salmonella and 155 hospitalized. Many of the recalled cucumbers were linked to Bedner Growers Inc., and Thomas Produce Co., both of Palm Beach County, Florida, according to the FDA.

Persons: SunFed, Craig Slate, Thomas Organizations: Food and Drug, FDA, Bedner Growers Inc, Thomas Produce Co, Disease Control Locations: Arizona, Canada, SunFed, Alaska , Arizona , Arkansas , California , Colorado , Connecticut, Florida , Idaho , Illinois , Indiana , Kansas , Maryland , Massachusetts, Minnesota , Missouri , New Jersey , New York, North Carolina , Oklahoma , Pennsylvania, Tennessee , Texas , Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, Alberta, British Columbia, Calgary , Ontario, Saskatchewan, South Florida, Palm Beach County , Florida, United States

☆ New stock exchange aiming to offer 23-hour trading set to launch in 2025
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-29 | by ( Jesse Pound | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

A new stock exchange launching next year is on track to offer nearly round-the-clock trading on business days, pending final regulatory approvals, 24 Exchange announced late Wednesday. The 24X National Exchange will debut in the second half of 2025, with trading from 4:00 a.m. ET on Friday, with a one-hour pause each day, once the exchange clears some final hurdles with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The arrival of 24X is part of a broader push toward a wider window of time for stock trading. Certain brokerage firms, including Robinhood Markets and Interactive Brokers, already offer extended trading on certain securities to their clients.

Persons: Dmitri Galinov, 24X Organizations: Exchange, 24X, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Robinhood, Interactive, “, ” Locations: Stamford , Connecticut, Asia

Kaitlin Sonday, 25, Lincoln, Nebraska Works mainly in the beauty section at Target, making $16.50 an hour. Even so, Sonday, 25, of Lincoln, Nebraska, prefers retail to a job that would put her animal science degree to use. And if retail works for you, that’s OK, too. Kaitlin Sonday, Lincoln, Neb. “And if retail works for you, that’s OK, too.

Persons: Kaitlin Sonday, she’s, “ It’s, ”, Sonday isn’t, Sonday, “, ” Sonday, Brian Harper, Tibaldo, Italy —, don’t Organizations: Target, MIT, Brands, Hyundai, University of Nebraska Locations: Lincoln , Nebraska, Lincoln’s Lancaster County, NeighborWorks, Lancaster County, Lincoln, Neb, ZipRecruiter, Italy, Lincoln County

☆ Bug-bitten oolong? The secret behind Taiwan’s rare honey-flavored tea — and where to enjoy it
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-29 | by ( Maggie Hiufu Wong | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Unlike Taiwan’s ubiquitous bubble tea, mixiang tea is still highly limited and largely off-the-radar. Mixiang tea goes globalNatalie Chiu and Charlie Winkworth-Smith, food scientists and founders of sparkling tea brand Saicho. The farmers couldn’t afford to lose their entire harvest, so they decided to go ahead and roast the bug-bitten tea leaves anyway. Lee says his Gui Fei tea is so popular it often sells out before it can even hit the retail market. Their two sons have joined the family business in recent years and help promote Gui Fei tea whenever they can.

Persons: Lee Ming, cheng, Gui Fei Oolong, Dong Ding Oolong, Oolong, Tea, Natalie Chiu, Charlie Winkworth, Smith, Saicho —, “, Junjie Lin, ”, Lin, Winkworth, Chiu, they’re, Clint Liang, Liang, Dong Ding, “ Gui Fei, Gui Fei, Lee, Chiang, Kuo Huan, don’t, Kuo, Maggie Hiufu Wong, Lee Te Organizations: CNN, Saicho, Harrods, Michelin, Tokyo Chuo, Growers Locations: Nantou, British, Hong Kong, Taiwan, United Kingdom, London, Taipei, Fujian, Lugu, Tokyo, Hsinchu, it’s, Nantou County, Songshan District, Hualien

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Advance Auto Parts, Robinhood, chip equipment makers and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-29 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading: Chip equipment stocks — Global chip equipment stocks rose on news that the Biden administration is considering further sanctions on sales of semiconductor equipment and artificial intelligence memory chips to China that could be less strict than earlier proposals. Advance Auto Parts — Shares dropped 7% after credit rating agency Moody's Ratings downgraded the auto parts company's senior unsecured debt to Ba1, below investment grade, according to FactSet. Hasbro — Shares jumped 2% after Elon Musk floated the prospect of acquiring the toymaker to secure the rights to Dungeons & Dragons. Zeta Global Holdings — The marketing software stock climbed 5.5% after the company's CEO called a recent short seller report "erroneous" on CNBC's "Closing Bell" on Wednesday. Crypto stocks — Stocks tied to the price of bitcoin rose as the cryptocurrency climbed closer to the $100,000 milestone.

Persons: Biden, ASML, Robinhood, Moody's, Elon Musk, Stocks, Yun Li, Jesse Pound, Hakyung Kim, Sarah Min, Sean Conlon, Pia Singh, Tanaya Macheel Organizations: Materials, KLA Corporation, Lam Research, Bloomberg, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Trump, Advance, Hasbro —, Elon, U.S . Target, Costco, Walmart, Zeta Global Holdings, Holdings Locations: China, Dutch, Ba1

☆ Organic eggs at 25 Costco stores were recalled for Salmonella risk
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-29 | by ( Julia Pugachevsky | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

AdvertisementThe FDA said organic eggs sold in some Costcos are being recalled for Salmonella concerns. It's time to check your fridge if you picked up organic eggs during your last Costco run. Due to Salmonella concerns, organic eggs sold at Costco are being recalled in five states. AdvertisementOn Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration announced that 10,800 retail units of 24-count organic eggs sold under Costco's Kirkland brand are being recalled. The recall specifically applies to Costco organic eggs with the Julian code 327 and a "Use By" date of Jan 5, 2025.

Persons: Costco's Kirkland, Julian Organizations: FDA, Costco, Food and Drug Administration Locations: New York, Costcos, Alabama , Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

☆ The Container Store could be the next big chain to go bankrupt
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-29 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

New York CNN —Even the power of Marie Kondo may not be enough to save the Container Store. In 2019 and 2020, the Container Store got a big boost from “Tidying Up,” the hit Netflix show from the home de-cluttering evangelist. Credit rating agencies rank the Container Store as one of the most financially distressed companies in the retail industry. The Container Store had been set to receive a much-needed $40 million financial lifeline from Beyond, the owner of Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock.com, that would have put Bed Bath & Beyond products on Container Store shelves. “The rise of platforms like Temu have given consumers some much cheaper options for the type of products Container Store sells,” Saunders said.

Persons: Marie Kondo, Kondo, Marie, Melissa Reiff, Joann Fabric, Justin Sullivan, Tim Hynes, ” Neil Saunders, Satish Malhotra, “, ” Saunders, Christina Boni, ”, “ It’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, Netflix, Research, Bed, GlobalData, CNN, Target, Container, ModernRetail, Walmart, Moody’s Locations: New York, Amazon

☆ Photos show Black Friday crowds at retailers across the US even as more shoppers move online
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-29 | by ( Talia Lakritz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

AdvertisementEven as online Black Friday shopping increases, people still formed lines at stores across the US. Crowds descended on stores like Best Buy and shopping centers like the American Dream mall. Target attracted in-person Black Friday shoppers with exclusive in-store Taylor Swift merchandise. Retailers like Target also drew customers to brick-and-mortar locations by releasing exclusive Taylor Swift merchandise in-store on Black Friday before making it available online the following day. Take a look at Black Friday crowds across the US.

Persons: Taylor Swift Organizations: Target, National

☆ Bigger-than-expected discounts led to another holiday spending surge
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-29 | by ( Auzinea Bacon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Holiday shoppers got an early jump on Black Friday shopping this year, spending a record $6.1 billion on Thanksgiving, according to Adobe Analytics. Sales on the holiday increased year-over-year by 8.8%, a jump from 2023, which saw Thanksgiving sales climb by 5.5% as consumers looked to keep stretching their dollar. Shoppers found their phones were more convenient than their computers to make purchases this year, making up almost 60% of online sales. The “Buy Now, Pay Later” installment payment plan options gained more popularity as well, driving $430 million in online spending. Adobe expects Black Friday sales will set more online records, predicting $10.8 billion in spending with electronics as the most popular purchase.

Persons: Vivek Pandya Organizations: CNN, Adobe Analytics, Mobile, Shoppers, Adobe Digital, Adobe, Black, National Retail Federation Locations: chatbots

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