Thanksgiving weekend shopping breaks records: NRF

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Nov 30, 2022

A record 196.7 million Americans shopped in stores and online this Thanksgiving weekend, spending an average of $325.44 on holiday-related purchases, according to the annual survey released tuesday by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

The total number of shoppers grew by nearly 17 million from 2021 during the five-day holiday shopping period from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday. In particular, more than 122.7 million people visited bricks-and-mortar stores over the weekend, up 17% from 2021, while this year saw 130.2 million online shoppers, up 2% over 2021.

Although consumers took advantage of the five-day holiday shopping period, Black Friday continues to be the most popular day for in-store shopping, with 72.9 million consumers opting for an in-person shopping experience, up from 66.5 million in 2021. 

Black Friday was also the most popular day for online shopping, with roughly 87.2 million consumers shopping online during Black Friday this year, in line with 2021. Likewise, 77 million people shopped online on Cyber Monday and a record 59% of online Cyber Monday shoppers used their mobile device, up from 52% in 2021.  

Consumers spending was up from $301.27 in 2021, of which most ($229.21) was directed specifically toward gifts. The top gifts purchased were clothing and accessories, bought by 50% of those surveyed.

“The Thanksgiving holiday shopping weekend is a tradition treasured by many American families,” said NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. 

“As inflationary pressures persist, consumers have responded by stretching their dollars in any way possible. Retailers have responded accordingly, offering shoppers a season of buying convenience, matching sales and promotions across online and in-store channels to accommodate their customers at each interaction."