US retailers, including major players like Amazon.com and Foot Locker, are expressing renewed optimism for the holiday season as sales soar following a robust start. The positive momentum comes after a successful Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where enticing discounts attracted thrifty shoppers.
Initial estimates for holiday shopping have surpassed expectations, proving to be a pleasant surprise for investors. Online sales in the US during the five-day period from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday reached an unprecedented $38 billion, as reported by Adobe Analytics. The National Retail Federation noted that over 200 million people participated in both in-store and online shopping over the holiday weekend, surpassing earlier predictions.
Despite concerns about slower consumer spending in certain segments, industry experts believe there’s untapped purchasing power. Jimmy Lee, CEO of Wealth Consulting Group, commented, «While some consumer segments are slower, there’s still significant spending potential. The holiday season could surpass expectations.»
Ulta Beauty and Foot Locker have recently revised their annual sales expectations, citing a robust start to holiday sales driven by attractive discounts. Foot Locker’s CEO, Mary Dillon, noted a positive response from value-conscious consumers to both full-priced holiday assortments and compelling deals.
Black Friday witnessed a substantial surge in store visits to recreational and sporting goods retailers, with foot traffic data from Placer.ai indicating a 322.9% increase compared to the year-to-date daily average for 2023, surpassing the 305.2% increase recorded the previous year.
Amazon’s extended Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping event, its largest to date, contributed to the positive momentum. Card spending during the week ending Nov. 25 was 1.7% higher than the same period last year, according to a report from BofA Global research.
As the holiday season progresses, retail executives anticipate the continuation of deep discounts. Kohl’s CEO, Tom Kingsbury, emphasized the company’s aggressive approach to holiday promotions. Notably, major retailers, including Walmart, Abercrombie & Fitch, and American Eagle Outfitters, have raised their annual forecasts, positioning themselves for a strong holiday quarter.
Despite the overall positive trend, some retailers, such as Kohl’s, Best Buy, and Lowe’s Cos, have adjusted their sales forecasts for the year.
